As the winter stretches on, you might find yourself chillier than you expected when you’re relaxing at home. It can be difficult to keep yourself and your family is effectively heated when the cold weather lasts for months. Given the ongoing global pandemic and restrictions caused by COVID-19, being able to keep your house warm is more important than ever. The increased amount of time you’re spending at home may have even made you notice issues you did not realize you had. No matter the reason, if you find yourself looking for changes you can make, read on for four great ideas to help you keep warm throughout the winter season.
1. Have your HVAC system inspected.
Your HVAC system is often your first line of defense when it comes to keeping you warm during the colder months of the year. However, your HVAC system needs to be inspected and have the filter changed regularly to operate effectively. If you notice that your system isn’t doing enough to heat your home, it might be because it needs repair or replacement. If you’re upgrading your HVAC or having a new one installed, consider a model with a smart thermostat you can adjust. Not only can it help you regulate the temperature more effectively, but it also ensures you only use the energy that you need to keep your home comfortable.
2. Consider thicker curtains.
Adding insulation a great way to help stay warm, and thicker curtains are an affordable way to add a little extra insulation to your space. Not only that, but curtains can help mitigate the effects of any cold drafts that may get in through your doors or windows. Be sure to research what type of fabric and curtain length is most useful for blocking out cold air and keeping a room warm, as all curtains are certainly not created equal in this regard.
3. Repair cracks and crevices in your doors and windows.
You would be surprised how much your doors and windows’ condition can affect the temperature inside your home. The presence of cracks and crevices allows for cold air to get into your home. Not only will that cool the weather, but it also forces your HVAC system to work harder, thus increasing your energy consumption and your energy bills. Before winter, either inspect them yourself or have a professional look them over. Doors and windows can be fragile under the best of circumstances and sustain weather damage over the course of the year, so it’s always best to check them before the season changes.
4. Rearrange your furniture.
You might not realize it, but the way your furniture is laid out might be impacting the temperature of your home. If your sofa or other table is too close to the radiator, it could be absorbing the hot air that could instead be heating your house or apartment. Whatever heat source you have in your living space, it’s essential that it not be blocked in any way, especially not by any object or fabric that will impede its ability to circulate the hot air it produces to keep your house warm.
5. Invest in your comfort.
Believe it or not, the inability to regulate body temperature properly can be an effect of stress or anxiety. In the winter, that problem is compounded by the cold weather outside. Taking care of your mental health and removing stressors from your life isn’t just a smart life strategy; it’s a healthy way to stay comfortable too. Creating a safe and relaxing environment at home is one of the best ways you can relieve stress. If you find the winter difficult to deal with, look for any stress relievers you can find to help you get through it, whether it’s doing some mindfulness meditation or adding more physical activity, or some indoor workout to your routine. These types of all-natural ways to relieve stress aren’t just good at making you feel better without medication during a difficult time of year; they’re budget-friendly too.
Staying warm in the cold weather can be a challenge any year, but now more than ever, it’s essential to make sure you’re able to keep yourself and your home comfortable during the winter. Rearranging your furniture and adding curtains to help block out drafts are easy interior design fixes to a house that gets too chilly. Regular maintenance and good care of your appliances are also necessary if you want them to be operating at peak efficiency when the temperature starts to drop. No matter your budget, there are plenty of changes, big and small, that you can make to help you stay warm during the coldest months of the year.
