The winter comes with cold, and to feel comfortable, we prioritize keeping our homes warm. Thankfully, staying warm and cozy doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag. All you need is some creativity, and you’ll enjoy warmth without spending too much. Read on as we look into 15 hacks for enjoying warmth this winter while saving money.
Use Draft Stoppers
Cold sneaks through drafts under or around doors and windows. Draft stoppers—cylindrical fabrics stuffed with insulating materials—can keep the cold out and trap the heat in. You can buy them or make DIY draft stoppers by rolling up towels or filling socks with beans or rice.
Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping also targets tiny gaps around doors and windows where air might sip into the house or escape from it. They can be made from foam or rubber, and they’ll make your doors and windows airtight. With those tiny gaps gone, you’ll notice your space will be warmer.
Insulate Windows with Plastic Film
Older and single-pane windows may not be able to keep the heat in and the cold out on their own, but with some enhancement, they can serve you through the winter. There are plastic films that can be attached to the windows and can be bought at hardware stores.
Use Thick Curtains
If your curtains are light, they may not be able to block out cold air. Consider upgrading to thicker ones. This is because the heavier the fabric is, the more it can hold warm and cold air. Open them during the day for sunlight and close them when it starts to get cold.
Reflect Heat with Aluminum Foil
Radiators can lose heat, and one way to make them more efficient is by placing an aluminum foil behind them. When that is done, instead of the heat being lost to the walls behind the radiators, it is reflected into the room. There are radiator foils, but you can make yours.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Thanks to programmable thermostats, you can schedule your heating to fit your lifestyle. With it, your home will be warm when you need it to be, and you will save energy when you don’t need the heat. You can set it to heat up when you’re returning from work and drop the temperature when you’re leaving.
Use Rugs for Floor Insulation
If you have tiles or other flooring that may not be able to trap heat, you can add rugs to boost insulation on the floor. Prioritize rooms that have more people going in and out if you don’t have enough rugs to go around. Also note that the thicker the rug, the better the insulation.
Add Insulation to Your Attic
When your attic isn’t properly insulated, a large amount of your home’s warmth can escape through the roof, so insulate it. Your attic may have some insulation, but that may not be enough. Try adding more insulation using fiberglass batts or spray foam and see the difference.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fan
We mostly use ceiling fans for cooling, but they can also help circulate warm air when operated in reverse. Warm air gets trapped close to the ceiling, so the lower parts are cooler. When your fan operates in a clockwise direction, it can push the warm air back down where you need it.
Seal Chimney Drafts
Fireplaces provide warmth for your home and let out its smoke through your chimney. However, when you’re not using them, they can serve as a path for cold air to sneak into your home. You can use a chimney draft stopper or inflatable flue blocker to prevent this from happening—only when you’re not using the fireplace.
Use Space Heaters Efficiently
Heating your whole home can be quite expensive, but with space heaters, you can reduce costs by focusing on rooms where you spend more time. Keep this heating system far from flammable materials and ensure they have an auto shut-off sensor that can turn them off when they get too hot.
Keep Blankets Around
If you have many blankets at home, keep them in different parts of the house so you can easily reach for them no matter where you are. You may also want to get electric blankets because they provide extra warmth when heated and are energy efficient.
Bake and Cook More
Winter is a great time to bring out your inner chef. Cooking and baking can generate heat for your kitchen, which can also spread to the surrounding rooms. After cooking, leave your doors open for the heat to spread. It’s also a good idea to remain there if it’s comfortable.
Block Unused Rooms
If there are rooms you don’t use often, like guest rooms or storage rooms, keep them shut off from the rest of the house. Now, you can focus your heating efforts on the spaces you use often. Your heating system will be more efficient when it has fewer rooms to cater to.
Use Bubble Wrap on Windows
Do you know that bubble wrap can provide more insulation for your window? Well, now you do. Use it to support windows that don’t have enough insulation. Spray some water on the window and place the wrap over it. Because it can make it harder to look through your window, use it for windows you don’t use frequently.