With the winter's chill well and truly here, the resulting drop in atmospheric temperature equals a rise in heating expenses in the coming months. Are you looking to keep your home cozy during the chilly winter months? We've compiled some tips to keep your house warm while keeping your energy bills as low as possible.
Adjust Your Ceiling Fan Spin
The regular, counterclockwise spin of the fan moves air around the space. However, by adjusting the motor switch and making the fan spin in the opposite direction (clockwise), you can move the warm air to the lower regions of the room, and take away the worst of the chill.
Get Your Boiler Serviced
The first thing to do is make sure your boiler is in great shape and up for the demands of winter. If you have an old boiler that has seen better days, then it wouldn't work as effectively and efficiently as it used to.
A faulty boiler can increase your heating bill significantly as they need to work twice as hard to bring the required heat to warm your house. Getting a new boiler upfront may seem like a lot, but it will save your energy bills from skyrocketing during winter.
Keep the Kitchen Hood Closed When Not in Use
The kitchen hood clears the air when you're cooking. However, it's also a passageway for cold drafts to get indoors. When not in use, ensure that it's kept closed to keep more warmth indoors.
Hang Heavy Window Curtains
It would be a massive disservice to your home if you use the lightweight curtains you used during warmer seasons for winter and when temperatures start to drop. In winter, swap those light curtains for heavier drapes; this helps to keep the warm air and the cold air out.
Shrink-Wrap the Windows
A shrink wrap kit can help to provide more insulation indoors. The additional layer of plastic affixed on the windows from the inside can help to keep more warmth indoors.
Rearrange the Furniture
Obstructing your radiators with your chairs and beds can significantly impact the temperature of your house, so it may be time to move your furniture around. The trick is to position significant pieces of furniture very close to the radiators so you can feel the warmth of the heat while maintaining enough space to allow for circulation.
Use Throw Rugs in Rooms With Hard-Surface Floors
Keeping your legs and toes warm during this season is very important, and this goes beyond just investing in a good pair of shoes or slippers. Laying down some throw rugs can go a long way in keeping your feet warm and insulating your home.
Close the Fireplace's Flue
The fireplace flue is often a common source of chilly drafts. Keep the warmth indoors by ensuring that it's closed when it's not in use.
Keep Your Curtains Open Till Mid-Afternoon
Keeping your curtains closed at night keeps the room warm, and so does keeping them open during the day. Sunlight naturally heats up or warms the house, which helps when you finally close the curtains at night.
The sun typically sets around 4pm during the winter season, so utilize the natural warmth from the sun until 3pm.
Invest in Electric Blankets
Electric blankets will stop you from freezing or feeling chilly on a cold winter evening. If you prefer to keep warm on your bed, opt for an under-electric blanket that sits just on top of your mattress. But if you want a blanket to move from sofa to bed, go for an over-electric blanket.
With these tips, you won’t have to make do with a chilly home or pay high energy bills. Rather, you can focus on spending quality time with your loved ones.
It's also wise to review your homeowner'smid-afternoon insurance policy and upgrade it if necessary to ensure it protects your home and other assets. Schedule a consultation with your WI insurance expert today.