When the weather turns cold, keeping everyone warm and comfy becomes a priority. There are a lot of things you can do to ensure your family stays toasty warm and happy throughout the cold winter months, without breaking the bank to do so.
Here are a few tips on just what you can do.
Open the Curtains
During the day, when the sun is bright, open the curtains and let that sun shine in. Not only will it illuminate the space, but it will also warm it up. Let the sun do the work of warming the home without costing you a cent.
Close Those Curtains
Opening the curtains during the day will help keep it warm inside, but if you leave them open all night, you’re likely to find it colder inside than you’d like. Close the curtains at sunset to retain the heat you got during the day.
Get Your HVAC System Checked out and Maintained
Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system needs regular maintenance and cleaning to run efficiently. Getting it checked once or twice a year ensures that everything is in good shape is a good idea. Some companies, such as Derek Sawyers Heating & Air Conditioning, know that this will keep it running to the best of its ability so that it will keep your home cozy warm all winter long. If anything isn’t running well, getting it repaired will not only keep you warmer but also save you money on your utility bills.
Reverse the Ceiling Fans
The same fan that helps keep you cool in the summer can keep you warm in the winter. There’s a switch on most fans that reverses the direction of the spinning. Heat rises, and by reversing the fan so it runs clockwise, you’ll push the heat back down into the room, which means the heater or furnace won’t have to run as much.
Use Area Rugs
Area rugs work great as a form of insulation, trapping cool air and keeping it from rising and cooling the rest of the room. They also add a nice design element, allowing you to combine function with beauty.
Staying toasty warm isn’t that difficult, if you just get creative about it. You can also remind family to add or remove layers of clothing to create their own desired level of warmth if they’re unhappy about the temperature. Add throw blankets that can be used, and you’ll have a home that is warm and beautiful.
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Rachelle Wilber
Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym.
You bet believe it or not in Florida snowed and has been super cold the last three days. This cold spell is going to last for few days more so I appreciate staying cozy and warm. Thanks for the tips.
I have to admit I am so glad we had already left before the snow hit! We had 10 glorious days in the sunshine state and it was such a nice break from the ice and cold we have here at home. Hopefully it’s started warming up!
The news just shared similar tips and we started running our fans in reverse and it’s been such a huge help in keeping the rooms warm.
Opening and closing curtains can make such a difference! We lived in freezing michigan for 10 years. I am happy to be down in Texas and freezing in the 40s!
These tips are so interesting! I would have never thought to open the curtains and let the sun shine through during the day. So smart!
Good tips. I am not liking the cooler temps right now. I moved to FL to be warm and I am freezing right now.
Rebecca, we just got back from a 10 day vacation and even though the temperatures are much warmer with the humidity it was a lot colder than we had expected. Back home I wouldn’t be in jeans and a hoodie in +22C but there I was!
These are all great tips! I live in Wisconsin and it is freezing here, this morning I sent my kids to school and the temperature was -8 degrees outside. I wanted to keep them home bundled up nice and cozy. We do a lot of these already, but I need to reverse our ceiling fans to help move that warmer air. Thanks for the tip!
I had no clue about reversing the ceiling fans. Thanks for the tips!
This is great! I’m going to have to take a look at our fans in the house as I didn’t know about that. Being in an older house, it can get a bit drafty!