Strategies for Staying Warm and Comfortable in Winter
As winter’s chill lasts for yet another month, keeping your home warm is an essential priority. Staying comfortable indoors when the temperature plummets outside doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the following strategic ideas, 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 an effective and straightforward way to stay warm during the colder months. Kick off your efforts by opening your curtains once the sun appears. This lets light to flood in, naturally warming the room. Positioning furniture near the windows helps make the most of this warmth. In south- or west-facing rooms that are recipients of 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 even better insulation, use thermal curtains or cellular shades designed to stop heat loss. By utilizing the sun’s energy in doing this, you can boost home comfort and reduce reliance on your heating system.
Avoid Heat Loss
Keeping warm air indoors is the key to staying warm when it’s cold. Begin by inspecting your residence for drafts, especially around windows and doors. Apply weather stripping or caulking to any gaps or cracks you find to help stop heat loss.
Consider replacing outdated single-pane windows with contemporary double-pane versions, which insulate with a pocket of air between the panes. If this enhancement isn’t within your budget, hang heavy, insulating curtains or install insulating window film to combat drafts.
Next, examine the insulation level in your attic. Given that heat rises, this is a common spot for heat loss to take place. Installing an extra layer of insulation stops warm air from getting away. While you’re at it, examine your home’s ductwork, as leaks here can result in significant heat loss.
Make Sure Your Heating System Is in Top Shape
Regular furnace maintenance is crucial for efficient performance and longevity, especially during a challenging cold snap. Thankfully, you can do many tasks to help your furnace operate dependably all winter.
First, replace the air filter on a regular basis. A clean filter boosts 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 crucial to keep the area near your heating system clear. Clear any clutter to ensure proper air circulation and avoid fire risks. And when it comes to air circulation, keep all your return and supply vents unobstructed and clear. It’s tempting to seal vents in unused rooms, but this upsets the return/supply air balance and may cause your furnace to overheat.
Then, engage a professional to inspect and clean your furnace every year. This professional can handle any small matters before they become serious problems, lowering the risk of a mid-season breakdown. You can also ask for individualized tips to help your system run effectively. In addition, contemplate having your ductwork professionally sealed and insulated. This decreases heat loss and increases heating system efficiency.
Welcome Smart Thermostat Technology
If you still use an old manual thermostat, contemplate upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for enhanced temperature control and energy savings. A programmable thermostat lets you schedule your desired temperature at different times of the day and days of the week depending on your schedule and comfort preferences.
A smart thermostat goes beyond this by letting you monitor and control the temperature virtually using a smartphone app. Many models can even be controlled with your preferred home automation voice assistant, including Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Learning thermostats do all the work for you, calculating your schedule, tracking when you’re home or away and adjusting the heat accordingly. This provides a warm, comfortable home with the lowest utility bills possible.
Another positive aspect of smart thermostats is their ability to furnish in-depth energy usage reports. These insights aid you in understanding your heating patterns and spot opportunities to save. Automatic filter change alerts are also helpful in reminding you about this crucial maintenance task.
Stay 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 pleasant and snug home during the cold months in the U.S.. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver fast, long-lasting fixes, from preventive maintenance and emergency repairs to comprehensive HVAC installations and replacements. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can be sure that Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing won’t deem the job complete until you’re satisfied with the results.
For expert support that meets our name, call 866-397-3787 today!