It is the winter season again. And this year we will all be spending more time indoors as the government continues to implement social distancing and stay-at-home orders amid an increase of COVID-19 cases. Keeping you and your family warm is as important as taking care of your health and safety. These are some tips on keeping your home warm during this winter season.
How to Keep Your House Warm This Winter
Programmable Thermostat
The beauty of a programmable thermostat is that it allows you to preset your home’s temperatures for different times of the day. You can set your temperature on the low end while you are away and heat your home before you arrive. With a programmable thermostat, you can save up a lot on energy utility.
Programmable thermostats are inexpensive, and it even allows you to program up to four temperature settings each day. Furthermore, it is easy to install a new thermostat on your own. You have to follow the instructions on the package.
Draft Stopper
Locate areas in your home susceptible to drafts. You can do this by applying the “stack effect” principle. By simply lighting a match, you can determine whether there are gaps, cracks, and holes unnoticed that allow cool air to get inside your house quickly.
Windows and doors are particularly prone to drafts. It can be prevented, however, by sealing the gaps with door snakes and caulk. You can easily make a door snake by filling an old stocking with dried peas or rice to keep it in place. If the budget allows, you can invest in vinyl windows. They are good for keeping your home insulated.
Ceiling Fans
Although ceiling fans are more prevalent in warm-weather places, you could still find them in temperate regions. They help circulate the indoor air and create a cool breeze when spinning in their usual counterclockwise direction. But their purpose doesn’t stop there. You could still make use of your ceiling fan during winter.
By reversing the spin of your ceiling fan, you can help bring warm air back into your house, instead of it escaping to your roof. Most ceiling fans have a reverse switch that allows this mechanism. However, if your ceiling fan does not have this option, it’s better to leave it turned off the whole winter season.
Curtains and Drapes
Another cost-efficient way to keep your home well-insulated this winter is by investing in curtains and drapes. Accordingly, 40 percent of heat can escape through window gaps. But by using curtains or drapes, you prevent this heat from escaping. The thicker the curtain or the drape is, the better it is in insulation.
During day time, open up your curtains to allow the sunlight to heat your home. Sunlight is also good for our health as it stimulates Vitamin D production in our body. Furthermore, just before sunset, close your curtains and drapes to prevent the cold air from getting in.
Fireplace
A fireplace can warm up an entire room in a matter of minutes. Cold winter nights are never complete without a blanket, a warm cup of hot cocoa, and a good book as you snuggle up in a fireplace. However, fireplaces have some downsides, though.
Fireplace dampers left open when not in use allows indoor heat to escape and cold air from infiltrating your home. It is important to keep in mind to close the damper after every use, and to keep it open before lighting up your fireplace to avoid smoke from filling up the room.
Furniture Placement
Most homeowners do not like the sight of air vents and radiators. They arrange their homes in such a way that furniture could cover up those from view. However, it only obstructs the airflow within the house. The radiator needs to work much harder to keep the room heated, making it consume more energy.
The most practical solution for this dilemma is to move your furniture away from your heating system. If you are bothered by how an eyesore your bare radiator looks, paint them with colors similar to your wall or flooring. That way, they easily blend into the background.
Rugs and Carpets
According to the National Energy Foundation, floors are responsible for 10 percent heat loss when not insulated. Wooden floors can be fashionable and easy to maintain, but you have to deal with heat loss, especially during winter. To combat this, cover bare floorboards with rugs and carpets.
However, keep in mind to avoid carpets and rugs with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they could compromise indoor air quality and the health of your family. By following these tips, not only will you and your family stay warm the entire winter months, but they are also proven to be cost-efficient.
