When temperatures drop, it’s tempting to turn up the thermostat to keep your home comfortable. But before increasing the heat, there are several simple ways to keep your home warmer, reduce drafts, and make better use of the heat you already have.
The best ways to keep your home warm in winter include blocking drafts, using curtains to retain heat, improving insulation, keeping heating vents clear, and using ceiling fans to circulate warm air. Small changes can make a noticeable difference in comfort and may help lower your energy bills.
Whether you're preparing for your first winter in a new home or looking for ways to make your current home more energy-efficient, these tips can help you stay comfortable throughout the colder months.
1. Open Curtains During the Day and Close Them at Night
Windows can be a significant source of heat loss, especially if they are older or poorly insulated. Making the most of your curtains is a simple way to help regulate your home's temperature.
On sunny days, open curtains on south-facing windows to let sunlight warm your rooms naturally. When the sun goes down, close your curtains to add another layer between your living space and the cold glass.
For even better results, consider thermal curtains or insulated window coverings. These can help reduce heat loss and limit cold drafts near windows.
Homeowner tip: Check that curtains don't cover heating vents or radiators. Keeping these areas clear helps warm air circulate throughout the room.
2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans aren't just for summer. When used correctly, they can help distribute warm air during the winter months.
Because warm air rises, heat can collect near the ceiling while the lower part of a room feels cooler. Most ceiling fans have a reverse setting that allows them to rotate clockwise at a low speed, gently pushing warm air back down along the walls.
This can help make a room feel more comfortable without immediately turning up the thermostat.
Homeowner tip: Look for the direction switch on your fan or check the manufacturer's instructions. Use a low speed to circulate air without creating a noticeable breeze.
3. Seal Drafts Around Doors and Windows
If certain rooms always feel colder than others, drafts could be part of the problem. Small gaps around exterior doors, windows, and other openings allow cold air to enter and heated air to escape.
Start by checking common problem areas, including:
- Gaps beneath exterior doors
- Worn weatherstripping around doors and windows
- Cracks around window frames
- Openings around pipes, cables, and utility lines
Door sweeps, weatherstripping, and appropriate caulk or sealants can help close these gaps. For larger or harder-to-find air leaks, a professional energy assessment can help identify where your home is losing heat.
Homeowner tip: On a cold day, pay attention to areas where you can feel cool air moving. Addressing these spots can improve comfort without changing your thermostat settings.
4. Check Your Home's Insulation
Air sealing helps prevent drafts, while insulation slows the movement of heat through your home's walls, attic, floors, and other building components. Both play an important role in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.
If your home struggles to stay warm even when the heat is running, inadequate insulation could be a contributing factor.
The attic is a useful place to start because heat can escape through the roof when insulation is insufficient. Depending on your home's construction, it may also be worth checking insulation around exterior walls, crawl spaces, basements, and floors.
If you're unsure whether your insulation is adequate, a qualified contractor or home energy auditor can evaluate your home's needs and recommend improvements.
Homeowner tip: Improving insulation and sealing air leaks can help your home stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer, making these upgrades useful year-round.
5. Add Rugs to Cold Floors
Hardwood, tile, and other hard flooring surfaces can feel particularly cold during winter. Area rugs add a layer between your feet and the floor, making living spaces feel warmer and more comfortable.
Rugs can also provide some insulation, especially over floors that aren't insulated well. However, they won't replace proper floor insulation if heat is escaping through a crawl space or uninsulated foundation.
Consider adding rugs to bedrooms, living rooms, and other spaces where you spend time barefoot or sitting on the floor.
Homeowner tip: Choose rugs with appropriate backing or rug pads to help prevent slipping, especially on hardwood or tile.
6. Keep Heating Vents and Radiators Clear
Your heating system works best when warm air can circulate freely. Furniture, curtains, and other household items can block vents or radiators, preventing heat from reaching the areas where it's needed.
Walk through your home and check that sofas, beds, rugs, and other furnishings aren't obstructing heating vents. If you have radiators, keep enough space around them for heat to circulate.
It's also worth replacing HVAC filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and make your heating system work harder.
Homeowner tip: Before rearranging a room or adding furniture, consider where the heating vents are located. A small layout change can help improve airflow without requiring a renovation.
7. Make Sure Your Heating System Is Maintained
Simple adjustments around your home can help retain heat, but your heating system also needs to work efficiently.
Regular maintenance can help identify problems that affect performance, airflow, or energy use. Depending on your system, maintenance may include replacing filters, cleaning components, checking controls, and scheduling professional inspections.
If some rooms remain cold while others are warm, your system may need attention. Uneven temperatures can sometimes point to airflow issues, duct leaks, insulation problems, or an improperly balanced heating system.
Homeowner tip: Follow the maintenance schedule for your specific heating system and address unusual noises, persistent cold spots, or unexpected increases in energy use.
8. Use Your Thermostat Strategically
You don't necessarily need to keep your home at the same temperature all day to stay comfortable.
A programmable or smart thermostat can help you adjust temperatures around your routine. For example, you may be able to lower the temperature while you're asleep or away from home and bring it back to a comfortable setting before you wake up or return.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat back by 7°F to 10°F for eight hours a day during winter, when appropriate for your home and heating system, to potentially save on heating and cooling costs.
However, the best settings depend on your household's needs, your heating system, and the people living in your home. Take extra care with heat pumps, which may operate less efficiently with large temperature setbacks, and follow your system manufacturer's guidance.
Homeowner tip: Start with a small adjustment to your schedule and temperature settings, then monitor your comfort and energy use to see what works best.
Make Your Home More Comfortable This Winter
Keeping your home warm doesn't always mean turning up the thermostat. Opening curtains when the sun is out, sealing drafts, improving insulation, clearing heating vents, and maintaining your heating system can all help you create a more comfortable living environment.
Some changes are simple enough to make in an afternoon, while others may require professional help. Start with the areas where you notice the biggest differences in temperature, then work through the rest of your home as time and budget allow.
A well-maintained, energy-efficient home is easier to keep comfortable throughout the year.
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