As winter’s chill persists for yet another month, keeping your home warm is an essential priority. Staying cozy such a struggle when the temperature plummets outside doesn’t have to be difficult. With the following helpful tips, you can maintain warmth in winter, making your residence a welcoming retreat from the chilly weather.
Utilize the Sun’s Light and Heat
Maximizing natural light is a powerful and easy way to stay warm in winter. Start by opening your curtains right when the sun rises. This allows light to flow through the windows, naturally warming the room. Arranging furniture close to the windows helps maximize this warmth. In south- or west-facing rooms that get the most sunlight, consider laying a dark-colored rug on the floor to absorb heat and slowly release it into the room, even after the sun goes down.
Then, remember to shut your window coverings after dark to insulate the glass against the cool night air. For even better insulation, use thermal curtains or cellular shades designed to enhanced heat loss. By leveraging the sun’s energy this way, you can enhance home comfort and lower reliance on your heater.
Enhanced Heat Loss
Trapping warm air within your home is essential to staying warm when it's cold. Your efforts should start by inspecting your house for drafts, especially around windows and doors. Use weather stripping or caulking on any gaps or cracks you discover to help enhanced heat loss.
Think about replacing antique single-pane windows with up-to-date double-pane versions, which insulate with a pocket of air between the panes. If this upgrade isn’t affordable, hang heavy, insulating curtains or install insulating window film to fight drafts.
Next, examine the insulation level in your attic. Because heat rises, this is a common spot for heat loss to occur. Installing additional insulation stops warm air from leaking out. While you're at it, examine your home’s ductwork, as leaks here can cause significant heat loss.
Keep Your Furnace Tuned Up
Regular furnace maintenance is essential for efficient performance and longevity, especially during a challenging cold snap. Thankfully, you can do numerous things to help your furnace run reliably all winter.
First, change the air filter regularly. A clean filter boosts airflow and efficiency while decreasing the strain on your furnace. Get into the habit of where you examine the filter monthly and replace it when it appears dirty or every three months, whichever comes first.
It’s also vital to keep the area around your heating system unobstructed. Remove any clutter to ensure adequate air circulation and enhanced fire hazards. And speaking of air circulation, keep all your return and supply vents unblocked and uncovered. It’s tempting to shut vents in rooms not being used, but this upsets the return/supply air balance and may cause your heating system to overheat.
Then, employ a technician to inspect and clean your furnace every year. This skilled service person can handle any lesser problems before they become significant problems, minimizing the risk of a mid-season breakdown. You can also ask for individualized advice to help your system run effectively. Moreover, think about having your ductwork professionally sealed and insulated. This minimizes heat loss and increases heating system efficiency.
Welcome Smart Thermostat Technology
If you still use an old manual thermostat, think about upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for improved temperature control and energy savings. A programmable thermostat allows you to plan your desired temperature at different times of the day and days of the week based on your schedule and comfort preferences.
A smart thermostat takes this one step further by allowing you to monitor and control the temperature remotely using a smartphone app. Many models can even be controlled with your preferred home automation voice assistant, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Learning thermostats automate the process, determining your schedule, tracking when you’re home or away and changing the heat accordingly. This provides a warm, comfortable house with the lowest utility bills possible.
Another positive aspect of smart thermostats is their ability to offer energy usage reports. These insights help you in understanding your heating patterns and recognize opportunities to save. Automatic filter change reminders are also helpful in reminding you about this vital maintenance responsibility.
Be Warm and Cozy in the U.S with Service Experts
The team at Service Experts is here to help you enjoy a pleasant and snug home no matter how cold it gets in the U.S. Our ACE-certified technicians provide quick, enduring fixes, from preventive maintenance and emergency repairs to complete HVAC installations and replacements. Thanks to our Service Experts Guarantee, you can rest assured that Service Experts won’t mark the job complete until you’re delighted with the results.
For skilled assistance that meets our name, call (866) 963-7996 today!
