5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Home Warm

5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Home Warm

During the cold winter months, many homeowners are focused on warming their homes while keeping energy costs low. According to the Energy Information Administration, the average household spends over $1,500 on heating every winter. Even a small reduction in heating costs can save you hundreds of dollars every year.

Older homes cost more to heat as well when you factor in maintenance costs such as furnace repair. Old insulation is also an issue, which makes keeping an older structure warm more difficult. If you want to save money while making sure you and your family stay warm and comfortable, you’ve come to the right place.

1. Check for leaks

Gaps in your home’s windows can contribute to higher heating costs. Even a small gap can lead to warm air leaks, forcing your furnace to work harder and increasing your energy bills. Before the winter season starts, make it a point to check all external doors and windows. Scan for gaps around windows with a lit incense stick. If the smoke is moving outdoors, that’s a sign of a leak.

2. Use thicker bedding

One quick and easy way to keep yourself warm is to swap the thin cotton blankets for thicker bedding. Extra layers of bedding help you retain more heat, so use a wool blanket or comforter instead of a cotton one.

For extra heating, you might want to use an electric blanket to supplement your bedding. Just don’t forget to place it on top of your bedding, not under it, to avoid injuries and accidents.

3. Automate the thermostat

Some thermostats can be programmed to adjust temperatures depending on the time of day, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars on heating costs. By automating the adjustments, you won’t have to fiddle with the settings every time you leave your home. You can just set and forget.

For instance, you can increase the temperature during the day and lower it a bit once night falls. If you think that doesn’t make sense, studies have shown that colder temperatures can improve your sleep quality.

4. Take advantage of curtains

sofa, carpet and curtains

Curtains are a great way to control the amount of heat in your home. During the day, you want to open the curtains to let as much light in as possible. The light still brings a degree of warmth, even during winter, so you want to ensure it enters your home. But at night, close the curtains to keep the heat from leaving.

Thermal insulated curtains help trap heat in your home. If you don’t have, you can also cover your windows with spare bedding or even rugs.

5. Ensure free airflow

It’s harder to warm your home if the heating vents are blocked. Check the placement of furniture near the vents and move them if it’s affecting airflow. By keeping vents clear, you maximize the amount of heat flowing around your home.

The most important thing to remember is that you’re warming your home for you and your family, not the building. The structure can withstand the cold temperatures, so you need to adopt common-sense measures that keep you warm while lowering energy costs. Putting on an extra sweater can translate to savings once the bills arrive.

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