Most of us like our winters cozy, taking advantage of the seasonal chill to pull out electric blankets, woolly sweaters, and warm socks. However, if you keep feeling a shiver run down your spine indoors, especially if you get one whenever you check your utility bill, you might not be well prepared for the temperature drop.
Knowing how to keep your house warm can help you and your household make the most of the winter months. From a heating tune-up to tactics you can try without relying on a furnace, here are some of our best tips for a little added warmth when you need it most.
Insulate and Seal Gaps
It’s hard to keep your home heated when you’re always letting cool air in! This winter, make sure to seal any gaps and drafts in your home.
Purchase or make a door draft stopper to keep cool air from entering your home beneath your door, and consider using them in any interior rooms you want to keep warm. Seal windows with an insulating film to prevent heat from escaping. Use caulk to seal any gaps around windows and doors.
Move Your Furniture
If you’ve moved furniture around to cooler areas during the warmest months of the year, it may be time to reconsider your layout.
Rearrange your furniture sets to place seating areas closer to warmer areas of your home. This includes places that get a great deal of natural sunlight and heat, though you might want to be careful to avoid cold exterior walls. While it can help to keep furniture near radiators or heaters, make sure not to block the heat from spreading to the rest of the room.
Make the Most of Your Furnace
Make sure your furnace is prepared for the coldest days of the year. Start by changing your filter to make it easier for your system to circulate warm air around your home. This is also a good time to change the settings of your thermostat to the recommended 68 degrees for energy savings or to install a programmable thermostat if you haven’t already done so.
Consider getting a furnace tune-up as well, especially if it’s been a while since anyone has done professional furnace maintenance.
Change Your Fan Settings
Though most of us already use our fans during the summer months, they’re also great tools in winter. Of course, this is only true if your fans rotate in the right direction: clockwise.
A clockwise motion can help pull cool air toward the ceiling. This pushes warm air lower to the ground, keeping the temperature more comfortable where you are.
Use Heavy Curtains
During the winter, around 30% of a home’s heating energy dissipates through the window. In addition to a treatment like window film, heavy curtains can help you avoid this dramatic heat loss. The extra insulation from your heavy curtains can keep rooms warmer all winter long.
Know How to Keep Your House Warm
From drafty doors to cold windows, the winter months can wreak havoc on any home. Fortunately, knowing how to keep your house warm can ensure that you and your loved ones stay cozy all winter long.
As you work to insulate your home using the tips above, don’t forget that we’re here to provide comfortable, American-made furniture for every need. For more information, visit our showroom on Covington Road or contact us today.