We’re officially here. Another long and cold Winter is upon us, but that doesn’t mean your home can’t be warm and cozy. Last month, we discussed the options to prepare the exterior of your home for winter weather. Let’s take this inside and heat things up a bit.
You won’t need a bunch of time and money either. Most of these are simple solutions that you can put to work today.
Tempting Textures
Clumpy throws, area rugs, curtains, and throw pillows will warm-up space and give it that nice, cozy feel. A runner next to your bed, area rug on the hardwood, or bathmat in front of your kitchen sink will protect your feet from freezing! Swap out your current sheets for flannel or microfiber, they feel warmer to the touch. A down comforter will insulate the heat in your body while insulating curtains do the same for your home.
Dog-gone Drafts
Doors, windows, and cracks are the most common culprits, find them and fix them. An easy way to find drafts is with a stick of incense. Light the incense and hold it near any holes or cracks you suspect of being drafty. If the smoke wavers, you’ve found a draft. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal up any holes or cracks, and use weatherstripping for the windows and doors with gaps. If you have an entryway that opens up to your living area, consider putting up a thick curtain to keep cold air out when you open the front door. Lastly, keep the fireplace flue closed when you’re not using the fireplace.
Smart Heating & Cooling
Smart heating and cooling systems are readily available for a wide variety of prices. While this may be the most expensive item on our list, it can really make a difference in making your home feel cozy, not to mention the money you can save on your utility bills. Use zoning to make the areas of your home that you use the most at the ideal temperature. Bedrooms, basements, and other areas that are rarely used do not need to be heated as much.
Rearrange Your Furniture
Before you start, think about ways to keep seating away from drafty doors and windows, and keep them facing the sun. You also want to try to avoid blocking any heat sources. Put your desk or sofa in a bright and sunny area to take in what little heat the sun puts off. Move your recliner away from a drafty window and make sure the biggest items aren’t blocking any heat from flowing freely through the room.
Fan Function
Did you know that most ceiling fans have a switch on them that allows you to reverse the rotation of the blades? “So What?” you might be thinking. We all know that heat rises, so why not bring it back down to the ground level where we spend all of our time. You might even be able to feel a noticeable difference right now. Stand up and stick your hand straight up in the air. Then sit down and put your hand just above the ground. You might be able to feel a difference of several degrees! Reverse the rotation of your ceiling fans and set them to a low setting. This will push the warm air back down into your living area where you can enjoy it.
Warming up your home for winter doesn’t take a lot of work, and it’ll be worth it when you’re cuddling up on your cozy sofa with a warm cup of coffee.