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Elevate your comfort levels while being mindful of your energy consumption during the winter season with these simple steps!
1. Have a heating strategy
Every heating system allows some level of control in terms of how much heat goes to the different rooms in your home. Whether it’s adjusting a vent, setting a dial on a radiator, or programing a more sophisticated control system, set each room to the temperature you want. There’s no need to heat unused rooms as much as the rooms where you spend most of your time.
2. Lower the thermostat at night
Dropping the temperature of your home at night is a great way to reduce your energy consumption. It’s also great for sleep—for most people, a cool bedroom is the ideal environment for getting a solid night’s sleep.
3. Make sure your storm windows are on or closed
Many people forget to pull down their storm windows (or put them up) when winter comes. Storm windows can provide a huge amount of protection from cold and drafts.
4. Check edges and gaps of exterior doors
Inspect the edges of your exterior doors. If you feel cold drafts, it's crucial to install a door seal or weather stripping. Addressing under-door drafts is essential to prevent a significant influx of cold air into your living space.
5. Window treatments
If you have a bare window, you’re losing a lot of heat through radiation and drafts. Blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery all provide protection against cold air, with cellular shades, tailored roman shades, and premium drapery providing the best protection.
6. Check your attic
When you look in your attic, do you see insulation between the ceiling joists? If not, check your local building codes and install the appropriate insulation in these gaps. It’ll make for a cozier home—and lower your heating bills.
7. Layer your window treatments
If you can feel cold air seeping in along the edges of your blinds and shades, consider installing drapery to cover these gaps. (Not only does drapery help stop the cold, it adds a sophisticated touch.)
Making your home more energy efficient also makes your home a more pleasant place to be. Discover how to maximize comfort in your home by creating a relaxing refuge and making changes that improve your sleep.
