Although January has started not as cold as some days that we had in December here in the UK, there is still a concerning cloud over many people with the rise of energy prices and not using their heating as much as they would have before; as we are still in winter months, I wanted to give some home tips on keeping the home warm during the remainder of the winter months. Some are obvious, but some may not have crossed your mind, so I hope this will be useful for everyone currently living in a cold climate.
Winter is a time for cozy nights by the fireplace and warm cups of cocoa, but it can also be a time of high energy bills and cold drafts in the home. If you want to keep your home warm and comfortable during the winter months, here are 9 tips to try:
- Insulate your home: Proper insulation is key to keeping heat in and cold air out. Make sure your attic, walls, and floors are properly insulated. This will not only help keep your home warm, but it will also save you money on your energy bills.
- Seal drafts: Look for gaps around windows and doors and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them. This will help prevent cold drafts from entering your home. NAVK Self Adhesive Foam Tape is a great cheap quick DIY solution for this.
- Use draft stoppers: Draft stoppers are simple and inexpensive devices that can be placed at the bottom of doors to block drafts. They are easy to make or can be purchased at a hardware store or Amazon.
- Let the sun in: During the day, open the curtains on windows that get direct sunlight to let the heat in. Close the curtains at night to help keep the heat in.
- Use rugs and carpets: Hardwood or tile floors can get very cold in the winter. Use rugs or carpets to help insulate your floors and keep your feet warm.
- Use space heaters: If you have a room that is particularly cold, consider using a space heater to heat it up. Just be sure to use them safely and keep them away from flammable materials. Ceramic quick heat up heaters are great to quickly warm up a room and take the chill out. I would recommend to only use these for that purpose and not to use them for longer than 5-10 mins. The Cokeey Ceramic heater has had some great reviews on the power of the heat they omit in a short time.
- Use fireplace or wood stove: If you have a fireplace or wood stove, use it to help heat your home. Just be sure to use proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Use thermal curtains: Thermal curtains are made of heavy, insulated material that helps keep heat in and cold air out by trapping the cold the air that comes from air leaks of windows and trapping it behind the layers of the fabric. They can be an effective way to keep your home warm and reduce energy costs.
- Dress in layers: Instead of cranking up the thermostat, try dressing in layers to stay warm. Wear warm socks, a sweater, and a coat inside your home to keep warm.
- Use draft snakes: Draft snakes are long, snake-shaped pillows that can be placed in front of windows or doors to block drafts. They are easy to make or can be purchased online or at a home goods store.
- Install a smart thermostat: A smart thermostat allows you to control the temperature in your home remotely and can even get to know your preferred temperatures and adjust accordingly to them. This can help you save energy and money on your heating bills.
- Change your ceiling fans: Most people think of ceiling fans as a summer cooling tool, but they can actually also be used to help circulate warm air in the winter. All you need to do is just switch the direction of the blades so they rotate clockwise. This will then push the warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the room.
- Keep furniture away from windows: Placing furniture in front of windows can block the heat from the sun, so just try to keep furniture a few inches away from the windows so it allows the sun’s warmth to enter the room.
- Use area rugs: Area rugs can help to insulate your floors and keep your home warmer. If you have hardwood or tile floors, try using area rugs to add an extra layer of insulation.
- Use curtains and blinds: Curtains and blinds can help to keep the heat in and the cold out. Close them at night to help insulate your windows and keep your home warm.
- Use furniture to block drafts: If you have a drafty door or window, try using a large piece of furniture to block the draft. A couch or bookcase placed in front of a drafty window can help to keep the cold air out.
Hope you find some of these tips useful and have a cozy rest of the month.
Debs x
*(This post contains some affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links at no extra cost to you.)
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