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This year’s holiday season feels a little different for obvious reasons. But there’s one thing that hasn’t changed — the weather.
If you’re looking for a few ways to make your house warmer, look no further. Here are five simple changes you can try.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can do the trick. It’s often easy to forget to adjust the heat when you leave the house or go to bed. That mistake can increase your utility bill. There are also other advantages to advanced models, including remote control and movement sensors.
You’ll be able to save time and money thanks to this technology. By connecting your smart thermostat to a system like Alexa, you and your family can control your heat from anywhere. That means your house won’t constantly be pumping out air.
The result is a warmer home with less of a carbon footprint. You’ll also be able to enjoy similar benefits in the summer when you’re using your air conditioning more often.
2. Reverse Ceiling Fans
Here’s one of the simplest fixes you can make. In the summer, your ceiling fans spin counterclockwise to push hot air upward. This motion creates a cool space in any given room. Did you know that you can reverse a fans’ direction to do the opposite?
Adjusting your fans to spin clockwise will keep hot air from escaping. Instead, your fans redistribute the trapped air by the ceiling. You get a warm space — and lower energy costs — as a result.
Remember to switch your fans back to their original positions when the weather gets warmer.
3. Winterize Your Home
Your effort to keep your house warm in the winter may seem like an uphill battle. If you’ve tried some of the other strategies on this list without seeing the kind of change you want, consider your garage. A cold garage might cause damage to your car in places like the battery. If you have an attached garage, you’re inadvertently bringing chilly air into your home every time you open the door. Fortunately, you can fix that issue.
Make a goal to winterize that part of your home in addition to putting in insulation. These two steps will keep your garage at a moderate temperature. You can also avoid potential dangers such as a broken door. That concern is a pain any time of the year — but especially when it’s frigid outside.
Keep in mind that blasting heat into your garage is a bad idea. Too much warmth might lead to your car rusting. Instead, you should simply aim to prevent too much cold air from entering.
4. Use a Door Stopper
A draft in the air happens due to poor insulation. The warm air coming from your heater leaks outside as cold air comes indoors. Then, you feel a chilly gust when you least expect it.
Using a DIY draft blocker should solve your problems. Your goal is to block the bottom of the door where the cold air enters. Sewing fabric over two long, tubular pieces of foam will work. If you want something quick, you can try slipping a towel under the door, too.
When the cold weather clears, you should aim to address your insulation issue more permanently. Doing so will help you avoid this concern next time around. Adding insulation and sealing cracks should cease drafts for good.
5. Seal Window Cracks and Gaps
An easy way for cold air to get into your home is through cracks and gaps. In most cases, you’ll find that your windows are the biggest culprit. It’s smart to find a way to treat any openings so that you can maintain a warm house. There are a few tricks you can try.
A non-permanent solution is weatherstripping. Inserting this material at the top and sides of your windows will keep them extra sealed when locked. You can also apply a temporary caulk to press into cracks and gaps. If you have large openings, you’ll need to use a filler.
Try These Adjustments for a Warmer House This Winter
The last thing you want to handle this winter is a cold house. By making these changes, you and your family should be able to enjoy a warm home during the holiday season. Don’t forget to make permanent changes come spring so that you don’t have to worry about anything next year.
About The Author:
Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded, where he writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Check out @TModded for regular updates!