6 Tips For Keeping Your House Warm During Winter
With winter well underway, you may be looking for ways to keep the warmth inside your home and the cold out. Not only will this make you more comfortable at home—but it will also save you money on heating bills in the long run.
Here are 6 expert tips and tricks guaranteed to keep you warm this winter.
Seal Those Drafty Spots
Do you feel that chilly breeze sneaking through your windows or doors? It’s not just cold air getting in—it’s your heat escaping! Addressing drafts in your home is an easy and effective way to improve energy efficiency and stay warm this winter.
Simple Fixes for Drafts:
Weather Stripping: Add weather stripping around windows to create a tight seal.
Draft Guards: Place draft guards under doors to block cold air.
Don’t Forget the Ductwork:
Drafty spots aren’t limited to windows and doors. According to Ryan Camp, owner and founder of Harrington Air Conditioning, the ductwork is often overlooked.
“Sealing and insulating ducts improves heating efficiency and ensures that warm air reaches every corner of your home,” Camp explains.
Hidden Culprits:
Check for drafts around electrical outlets and switch plates on exterior walls. Adding foam gasket seals behind these covers is an inexpensive solution that can make a noticeable difference.
Smart Thermostat Equals Smart Heating
Why heat an empty house? A programmable thermostat can help you save energy and money by tailoring your heating schedule to your daily routine.
Save While You Sleep or Are Away: Program your thermostat to lower the temperature by 7°F to 10°F for at least eight hours a day.
The Savings Add Up – This simple adjustment can save up to 10% annually on heating costs.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat offers even greater control, allowing you to adjust settings remotely and optimize efficiency effortlessly.
Flip Your Ceiling Fan’s Direction
Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer—they can be a winter ally, too. Set your fan to rotate clockwise during colder months to push warm air from the ceiling back down into the room.
It’s a small change with a big impact on how cozy your space feels.
Use Low Speed: Keep the fan on a low setting to avoid disrupting the warm air circulation.
Energy Savings – This adjustment can reduce heating costs by up to 12%.
Maintain Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system is the workhorse of winter comfort, so keeping it in top shape is essential. Regular maintenance not only boosts efficiency but also prevents costly repairs.
HVAC Maintenance Tips:
Replace Air Filters: Change filters every 1-3 months to maintain airflow and air quality.
Clear Vents: Keep vents free of dust and debris to ensure proper airflow.
Schedule Professional Tune-Ups: A professional inspection ensures your system operates efficiently all season long.
A healthy HVAC system means better performance and lower heating bills.
Use Heavy Curtains and Thermal Liners
Curtains can do more than decorate your home—they can help insulate it, too. Replace lightweight summer curtains with heavy thermal drapes during the winter months.
Daytime Sunlight: Open curtains during the day to let natural sunlight warm your home.
Nighttime Insulation: Close curtains at night to lock in the heat.
Properly insulating windows with curtains can reduce heat loss by up to 25%.
Utilize Zoned Heating
If your home has multiple levels or areas that aren’t always in use, a zoned heating system could be a game-changer.
Benefits of Zoned Heating:
Heat only the areas you use the most. Reduce energy consumption and lower heating costs.
This allows you to focus energy where it’s needed, improving efficiency and comfort.
Bonus Tip: Shut the Door on Unused Rooms
Got a guest room or office that rarely gets used? Closing the doors and vents to these areas can direct warm air to the rooms you use most, like your living room or bedroom.
By following these strategies, you can create a cozier, more energy-efficient home while keeping heating costs in check. Small changes add up to big savings, and a more comfortable home is always worth the effort.
