I can smell it in the air and you know what guys- I’m not even a little bit mad about it! Anyone else already pulling our their boots and trying to wear them?!
Winter will be soon rearing its cold and icy head. While a soft, blanket of snow may be fun for outdoor sledding and skiing, the cold can make heating your home difficult. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to keep your home warm this winter while saving yourself money.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Today’s technology makes it easy for homeowners to monitor their homes and make them more energy and cost-efficient. A programmable thermostat is one such handy device. Whether you’re at work during the day or sleeping at night, keeping your thermostat at a certain temperature can help you save money. Once you’re awake or you’ve arrived home from work, you can program your thermostat to be set on a more desirable temperature such as 68 degrees. This can also come in handy if you’re on vacation, and you want to come home to a warm home.
Maintain Your Furnace
During the winter, you probably rely heavily on your furnace and humidifier to heat and cleanse the air in your home. Regular tune ups and maintenance can ensure that it runs efficiently and effectively. A knowledgeable heating and cooling specialist can also help reduce the need for repairs when they perform a regular checkup. If a problem exists, they can catch it at the early stages, before it becomes a costly repair.
Let the Sunshine In
When the sun comes up, you want to let as much of that warm, bright light into your home as possible, as it can heat your dwelling naturally on even the coldest days of the year. Before you leave your home, lift up your blinds and open the curtains to let in as much sunshine as possible. However, only do this in areas where the sun is sure to stream in, keeping the not so lit areas closed. At night, it’s important to close the same drapes that you may have opened as the extreme cold can affect your windows and home as the temperature drops.
Put Your Ceiling Fans to Good Use
If you have ceiling fans in your dwelling, you may primarily use them to keep cool in the summer months. However, they can be just as useful in keeping your house warm. Most of the fans have a setting that can reverse the movement of air clockwise as opposed to counterclockwise. Because heat rises, the motion spins the fan and moves the heat down toward the various rooms of your home. Without a fan, the warm air lies trapped near the ceiling.
Add Layers
Uninsulated wood flooring can cause your home to lose heat by as much as 10 percent. In areas where you have wood flooring, you can add area rugs and padding to the floor in order to keep them toasty warm. If you’re looking renovate a home, you may want to install carpet in rooms that are cooler and more prone to drafts.
Keep Vents Clear
If you’ve rearranged your furniture or added new pieces, you may have unknowingly located them on top of heating vents within your home. Unfortunately blocking the release of warm air can make your house cold. Before the cold air sets into place, you want to check each room to ensure that your vents are clear, and the heat is able to escape.
Move Your Furniture
Different areas of your home may feel warmer than others. If you work from home or spend the majority of time in your dwelling, you can position your belongings where the temperature is at its warmest. If you’re by a window, choose a location where the sun comes in and can keep you warm as you work.
Try these budget friendly tips this coming winter to ensure your home is comfortable and warm throughout the season. Your family and wallet will thank you!
