Staying Warm on a Budget

November 3, 2020 admin

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Close the Door on Door Drafts

Have you noticed cracks of light pouring in through your door jambs? Is there light under your front door? These are prime areas for heat loss during winter. There are weighted door snakes that can help to close off the gaps at the bottoms of your door. Both interior doors, such as those to rooms that you have closed off, and exterior doors, such as your front and back doors, can benefit from these types of door draft snakes. This can help to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Insulation strips can also help to seal off door jambs. There are also some patterns that you can use to make your own for a more custom aesthetic.

Is Your Heat Going Right Out the Window?

Just as with your doors, windows in your home can be a big source of cold air intake. Many homes may not have double pane windows, or there may be some gaps in the jambs. If you can feel a breeze with your hand next to your closed window, you may want to address the issue. You can also use a lit stick of incense or candle next to the window to identify the presence of smaller drafts. Just make sure that you are safe around any window coverings that may be near the flame.

A trip to your local hardware store can provide many different options when it comes to sealing off window drafts. One of the most popular options, and most economical ones, is plastic heat shrink wrap. Using tape, the plastic sheeting is placed in front of the window, then heat shrinked. This method is also quite easy, just be sure to clean your window beforehand, as you won’t be able to once the plastic is in place.

Warm Your Space with Curtains

Adding a punch of personality with new window treatments can also help you to keep warm during the winter months. While sheer coverings may look nice and allow light to enter the room, they don’t do well when it comes to keeping the warm air inside. Choosing heavier curtains can work as insulation. Another layer between the comfort of inside and the cool air of outside sounds like a great idea and a passive way of keeping warm.

Ceiling Fans and Fire Places

Ceiling fans are not only a great way to clear the room after baking something in the oven a little too long, but they can help to heat or cool the room too. Depending on the direction in which the blades are spinning, the air will either be pulled up or pushed down. Changing the direction to a clockwise direction, on the lowest setting, can help to circulate air without cooling the room.

Fireplaces are a great way to heat your home. They can be a tranquil source of relaxation during the winter months. However, the damper of the fireplace can be another way for warm air to escape. By keeping the damper closed unless you are enjoying a fire, you can prevent warm air from escaping.

Bundle Up for Warmth

You would most likely not opt to wear a snowsuit in the middle of summer, right? Well, then it only makes sense to bundle up a little more inside during the winter months. Putting on those cozy socks, soft sweats, and a snuggly blanket can make for a comfy and warm night. Those fuzzy slippers can help to save you money!

Conclusion

Winter is inevitable, but paying high heating bills doesn’t have to be. By utilizing some common sense tips, it is possible to keep warm and cozy on a budget. If you are looking for a place to call home, let the professionals at The Property Manager know and we can see what we can do.