7 Ways to Keep Your Home Warm in Winter

You wake up in the morning to find your home freezing cold and shivering may be the last thing on your mind. What you really want to do is crawl back into bed and not come out until spring time. Unfortunately, that’s not an option unless you want to pay an arm and a leg on your electric bill each month, so it’s time to take action and keep yourself warm this winter! Here are seven ways to keep your luxurious living place warm during the winter month that you can use to ensure that you stay nice and cozy until the season ends in March or April.

1. Install draft stoppers

Installing draft stoppers around your home is one of easiest and most effective ways to keep your residence warm during those chilly winter months. Draft stoppers are essentially small barriers that block cold air from entering through any cracks or gaps in your walls, thereby saving you a lot of money on heating costs over time.

2. Switch off lights during the day

The most obvious way to reduce heating costs during winter is by simply turning off unnecessary lights. You can save between $30 and $45 a year by switching off lights, TVs, computers and other appliances that are left running when you leave your home or office. Leaving a TV on can cost you as much as $180 per year, while a desktop computer and some small appliances (like an iron) will cost about $85 annually if left on.

3. Use blankets, rugs and other covers

Blankets, rugs and pillows can all be used as covers to keep your body temperature up. The more layers you have on, the hotter you’ll feel. While it might not seem like an option in warmer climates, switching to blankets and throws is a good way to start creating that warmth when it gets cold. This also applies for clothing; using thicker socks will make sure your feet are warm even on cold nights.

4. Change your thermostat settings

With an extra layer of clothing and a sweater on, your home should feel plenty warm. If it’s not, it may be time to change your thermostat settings. There are many smart thermostats on the market now that can adapt their settings based on your presence and what you want your home temperature to be while you’re gone. That said, there are also some great ways to set up a home thermostat without smart tech as well!

5. Block drafts with door stops

Drafts sneak into your home through cracks around doors and windows. Put a rubber door stop under each door to keep out drafts. You can find them at hardware stores or craft stores for just a few dollars. Alternatively, use rags under doors as another draft-stopping strategy; wool is particularly good at keeping heat inside while also blocking drafts, but any soft fabric will do. Just remember that you might need more than one or two rags per door!

6. Insulate windows using curtains

Decorate your windows with curtains and drapes. This will cut down on drafts and help keep warm air inside.

7. Get a dehumidifier

Removing excess moisture from your air can help you stay warmer on chilly days. When humidity levels get too high, it’s more difficult for your body to release heat and warm up. A dehumidifier is an easy way to ensure you keep a constant level of moisture throughout your home—just don’t run it all day, as that can cause mold growth. If you feel like investing even more, consider installing a whole-home humidifier.

Author Bio

MARWOOD CONSTRUCTION is a high-end residential & commercial construction expert providing specialized general contracting services to clients in Houston, Texas. This licensed general contractor offers design-to-build services solutions for the most challenging new build and renovation needs. To learn more about this author, visit marwoodconstruction.com.