Before we know it, winter will be here, and the instinctive response is to crank up the thermostat and rely on artificial heating methods to stay warm and cozy. However, there are plenty of methods to reduce how much you’re using the thermostat, reducing costs and environmental impacts. In this blog post, we'll explore a range of these methods that will help you maintain a pleasantly warm environment in your home during the winter months.
Make Use of Curtains
When it’s sunny out, leave the curtains open to let the sun’s rays warm up your home. They can warm up the inside of your home even when it’s cold outside. If the sun is not out, keep your curtains closed for extra installation against the cold, especially at night.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Warm air travels upward, causing lower levels of your home to feel cooler. The warm air can be brought down by reversing the motion of your ceiling fans. To be clear, their motion will become clockwise. This will keep your home feeling warmer for longer, reducing how much you need to use your thermostat.
Leave the Oven Door Open
You’ll most likely be baking a lot in the winter, so your oven will be on and producing heat often. Whenever you’re done baking, don’t waste the heat by having the oven cool down with its door closed. Instead, open its door slightly, so the released heat can warm up your home. However, we don’t recommend this if you have small children or pets.
Stop Drafts
Most likely, your home has hidden cracks and openings, resulting in cold air creeping into your house. These are known as drafts, and there are different methods to stopping them, depending on where they are. For example, exterior doors can have cracks under them, allowing a draft to develop. In this situation, a door draft stopper can be installed to seal the crack.
Use Shower Steam
If you’re taking a warm or hot shower, leave your bathroom door open. The steam will travel throughout your home, warming it up and making it less dry too. If you’re taking a bath, follow the same strategy and hold off on draining the tub.
Check Insulation
Insulation, which can be in your walls and attic, keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by preventing heat flow. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have your insulation checked if it hasn’t been checked in a while. You want to prevent heat escaping your home as much as possible!
Use Rugs
You can lose heat through uninsulated floors like tile and hardwood, but rugs can help to insulate them. In addition, rugs can style your rooms and keep your feet feeling warm and cozy!
Rearrange Furniture
Furniture might be blocking your vents or radiators, preventing heat from spreading in a room. In this case, move your furniture, so the room can heat up efficiently and faster. If you were wanting to hide your vents or radiators, consider spray painting your vents or using a radiator cover.
In a world increasingly concerned with sustainability and energy efficiency, adopting methods to reduce the use of your thermostat in the winter is a rewarding choice. By embracing strategies such as reversing your ceiling fans, stopping drafts, and using rugs, you can create a home that offers both comfort and environmental responsibility.
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