After fall, it won’t take long for winter to come in. So say hello to snow, sweaters, and longer nights! Because winter can bring in the coldest temperature, make sure to keep your home warm so that you can stay comfortable all throughout.
1. Use Energy-efficient Windows
The best energy-efficient windows are vinyl, aluminum, wood, wood clad, and fiberglass. Their increased insulation prevents heat and cooled air from escaping. If yours are already worn out, they are the excellent window replacements this coming winter.
Vinyl provides great energy efficiency. It’s insulated glass and tight construction block heated air from coming through your windows. Budgetwise, it’s more expensive than the others.
Wood provides the best insulative value to keep your home warm, but it may not be the ideal choice for extremely humid places. It has the potential to rot under frequent rain or snow. But you can look for high-quality wood that can stand the test of time.
Wood clad offers both interior facing wood frame and weather resistant exterior frame, for excellent thermal insulation. When installed properly (usually with rubber and sill pan), wood-clad windows last longer, as the said material prevents water from pooling at the sill and jambs.
Aluminum windows are durable, are low-maintenance, and prevent air leakage. They’re great at reducing heat transfers, particularly the “thermally improved aluminum windows.” It’s not ideal for beach houses, though. It might be water-resistant, but the combination of salt water and air makes it prone to corrosion.
Fiberglass is the juxtaposition of light and strong. It slows the spread of heat, making it one of the most cost-effective insulation materials. It lasts for up to 50 years after installation.
2. Maximize the Use of Tinfoil
Tinfoil is good both for packing lunch and insulating. If you have a radiator attached to the exterior walls, put tinfoil behind it. That reduces unnecessary heat loss as it takes the heated air back into the room.
3. Use Curtains with Thermal Lining
Curtains are more than just decorative materials. They prevent heated and cooled air from escaping, too. Go for the curtains with thermal lining, as they offer a great amount of insulation. The thicker the curtain, the better.
4. Let the Sunlight in During the Morning
Don’t keep your curtains closed all day. Allow your house to see the warmth and beauty of the day. It lets sunlight and heat in—the best and most natural way to sustain heat.
5. Prevent Fireplace Heat Loss
Heat can escape through an open fireplace. When it rises up, it can get sucked out of the chimney. An open fireplace also distributes warm air in the house unevenly, leaving some spots cold. A glass front or barrier for your fireplace can easily solve the problem, though.
It traps air inside, preventing it from getting pulled out of the holes and crevices. In addition, it reduces hazards brought about by logs tumbling out of the fireplace. Just keep the glass front tightly shut even when the fireplace isn’t in use to conserve more heat.
6. Consider Installing a Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are designed to prevent your furnace or air-conditioning from overworking, cutting down your electric bill. So it helps you save up money.
You can raise and lower the temperature based on your preference. Equipped with a unique feature, you can adjust its setting to your schedule so that it automatically sets the temperature moderate when you’re home and low when you’re out.
7. Cover the Floorboards
Carpets were invented to prevent heat from escaping through the bare flooring. The National Energy Foundation (NEF) says that uninsulated floors account for at least 10% of heat loss. Throwing rags or blankets on the cracks can keep the floor insulated. Wooden flooring is particularly prone to heat loss. Use thick and cost-effective fillers to fill in the gaps.
8. Keep the Vent Open
You might think that keeping the vent closed in an unused room is a good idea. But Mark Dawson, the COO of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, said that “your system is designed to heat all areas of your home.”
That means that it will continue to push warm air out even when it’s close. He added that “pressure pushing up against closed vents can lead to damage and costly air leaks.” Keeping the vent open even if the room is seldom used is ideal.
The below-freezing temperature during winter can attract flu, germs, and viruses. But by keeping your home warm, you and your family can stay well and healthy during the cold season.
