How to Prepare Your Home for the Winter? – 3 Practical Tips to Apply Today!
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It may not be winter just yet, but “the early bird gets the worm”, right? I like to be a few steps ahead when it comes to seasonal house adjustments as the weather has proven itself to be quite unpredictable. Whether you’re a new homeowner or simply someone looking for ways to save energy, these simple tips on how to prepare your home for the winter will surely come in handy!
How to Prepare Your Home for The Winter? – Tips & Tricks
Are your feet starting to get cold in the mornings? If the answer is ‘yes’, it’s time to take out your warm fuzzy socks and start prepping your home for the chilly months. Let’s take a look at 5 super simple methods that will help keep you and your house warm without breaking the bank!
Adjust Your Heating Systems
Start off by checking in with an expert about your gas-fired appliances and whether they’re all properly adjusted, as well as the thermostatic valves that control the temperature limits in each room. Once you’ve checked that off the list, follow up with:
- boiler
- water heaters
- convectors
- cooking range
Be reasonable when heating your home. For example, if you, like me, spend the majority of your time in the dining room, do you think you should be heating all other rooms just as much as that one? The answer is no. Rooms that are not frequently occupied can be kept at 16°C (60.8°F).
Don’t forget to hydro-test your boiler for leaks. After it has reached 2500 hours of operation, which usually takes a year, you should check the fire side of the heat exchanger.
Read also: How to Make Fire Starter from Coffee Grounds and Save on Your Heating Bill?
Beat the Cold and Avoid Drafts
An old-fashioned and super affordable insulation trick is to place thick curtains on your windows. Yes, it’s that simple! As soon as the sun starts to set, pull the curtains and you will feel immediate warmth. You must beware of drafts, too! Opt for self-adhesive gaskets that will help cut them out. Door seals are also a good alternative if there is air passing from underneath the windows. Another trick you can try is to rearrange your furniture strategically. For example, if you have any poorly insulated walls, placing a large wardrobe or a sofa on them will do the trick! Last but not least – invest in a warm fuzzy carpet.
Read also: Energy Saving Tips for Fall and Winter: 4 Simple Hacks That Will Cut Your Monthly Bills in Half!
Make the Most of the Sun
As uncomfortable as it may be, it’s important to remember to aerate your home regularly. This will help you combat the following problems:
- Humidity
- Dust mites
- Unpleasant odors
I recommend you open your windows at least twice a day for about 10 minutes. Of course, don’t forget to keep your blinds open (if you have any) during the day. The natural sunlight will help keep your home warm!
Read also: How to Make a DIY Outdoor Faucet Cover: A Step-by-Step Guide