Advice for Keeping Warm and Comfortable in Winter
As winter’s chill lasts for yet another month, keeping your home warm is an essential priority. Staying cozy inside when the temperature plummets outside doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the following helpful tips, you can maintain warmth in winter, making your home a pleasant retreat from the chilly weather.
Utilize the Sun’s Light and Heat
Making the most out of natural light is an effective and straightforward way to stay warm during the colder months. Begin by opening your curtains once the sun rises. This lets light to flood in, naturally warming the room. Placing furniture close to the windows helps make the most of this warmth. In south- or west-facing rooms that get the most sunlight, think about laying a dark-colored rug on the floor to absorb heat and slowly let it back into the room, even after the sun goes down.
Then, remember to shut your window coverings after dark to insulate the glass against the cold night air. For improved insulation, use thermal curtains or cellular shades designed to avoid heat loss. By leveraging the sun’s energy in doing this, you can boost home comfort and lower reliance on your heater.
Stop Heat Loss
Keeping warm air indoors is essential to staying warm when it’s cold. Start by examining your home for drafts, especially around windows and doors. Use weather stripping or caulking on any gaps or cracks you discover to help avoid heat loss.
Think about replacing outdated single-pane windows with up-to-date double-pane versions, which insulate with a pocket of air between the panes. If this enhancement isn’t affordable, hang heavy, insulating curtains or install insulating window film to combat drafts.
Next, evaluate the insulation level in your attic. Because heat rises, this is a common location for heat loss to happen. Putting in an extra layer of insulation blocks warm air from escaping. Additionally, check your home’s ductwork, as leaks here can cause substantial heat loss.
Keep Your Furnace Tuned Up
Routine furnace maintenance is crucial for efficient operation and longevity, especially during a demanding cold snap. Thankfully, you can do numerous things to help your furnace operate dependably all winter.
First, swap out the air filter on a regular basis. A clean filter enhances airflow and efficiency while decreasing the strain on your furnace. Develop a routine to check the filter monthly and replace it when it appears dirty or every three months, whichever comes first.
It’s also important to keep the area near your heating system clear. Remove any clutter to ensure adequate air circulation and prevent fire hazards. And when it comes to air circulation, keep all your return and supply vents open and clear. It’s tempting to close vents in rooms not being used, but this disrupts the return/supply air balance and may cause your furnace to overheat.
Then, hire a professional to inspect and clean your furnace annually. This skilled service person can deal with any lesser problems before they become significant problems, minimizing the risk of a mid-season breakdown. You can also ask for personalized tips to help your system run effectively. Moreover, contemplate having your ductwork professionally sealed and insulated. This minimizes heat loss and enhances heating system efficiency.
Adopt Smart Thermostat Technology
If you still use an old manual thermostat, contemplate upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for improved temperature control and energy savings. A programmable thermostat enables 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 goes beyond this by allowing you to monitor and control the temperature from anywhere using a smartphone app. Many models can even be modified with your preferred home automation voice assistant, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Learning thermostats handle the tasks, figuring out your schedule, tracking when you’re home or away and adjusting the heat accordingly. This guarantees a warm, comfortable home with the lowest utility bills possible.
Another advantage of smart thermostats is their ability to offer in-depth energy usage reports. These insights help you in understanding your heating habits and spot opportunities to save. Automatic filter change alerts are also useful for reminding you about this crucial maintenance chore.
Be Warm and Cozy in the U.S. with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
The staff at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help you enjoy a warm and comfortable home during the cold months in the U.S.. Our ACE-certified technicians offer swift, enduring work, from preventive maintenance and emergency repairs to comprehensive HVAC installations and replacements. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can rest assured that Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing won’t deem the job complete until you’re satisfied with the results.
For expert support that matches our name, call 866-397-3787 today!