Tips for keeping your house warm in the winter
If you happen to live in a city where the winters are cold then you know all too well that the heating and gas bill can run sky high during those cold months. Keeping your home warm during the winter can be costly, so here are some tips for keeping your house warm in the winter without breaking the bank.
Windows
If you don't have double or triple paned windows then it makes it really easy for the cool air to breeze right in and cool the inside of your home and drop the temperature significantly. However, this can be remedied by covering the inside of your windows with plastic. You can actually buy window sealing kits at home stores like Lowes or Home Depot that will come with everything you need to seal a drafty window. Don't just do the one window you think is the draftiest though; make sure you do them all. It won't affect you being able to see out the window as the plastic is clear, but you won't be able to open the windows as long as you have it on your window.
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Outlets and switches
Something that most people don't think about when it comes to keeping their homes warm in the winter is their outlets and light switches. When they site against a wall that is against the outside of your house they are just as susceptible to drafts as the windows are. You can buy things at the store to place behind the outlets and switches to keep the cool air from seeping in. Some of the products are like foam that just fits right behind the outlet or switch and others are a type of spray that will fill the hole around the electrical box.
Doors
Doors are another spot of drafts and cool air finding its way into the home during the winter time. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good shape and then go out and buy a door snake. All this is, is a long thick cloth filled with rice or peas. You can buy them for fairly cheap or just make one yourself. Placing a door snake at the bottom of your door will keep most of the cool air out and the warm air in. If you don't want a door snake because it will be inconvenient then you can also try installing a door sweep.
Program your thermostat
Programmable thermostats are a great way to keep the house warm (or cool) during the winter seasons without having to touch the dial at all. You can set it to go to a warmer temperature when you wake up and then set it at a lower temperature when you're not at home. If you don't have a programmable thermostat you can buy them for about $100 at a big box store. They will save you about 10 percent on your heating and cooling bills and they are extremely convenient.
Let the sun shine
If you have windows in your home that get any type of sunlight during the day then open up the blinds or drapes and let the sun shine in as much and as long as possible. Solar energy is probably the best and cheapest you can find anywhere to make your house warmer.
So if your house seems drafty and cool this winter, don't just turn the thermostat up. Try to apply some of these tips for keeping your house warm in the winter and take some other step to keeping it warm inside.
