Advice for Being Warm and Comfortable in Winter

As winter’s chill lasts for yet another month, maintaining a warm home is a top priority. Staying cozy inside when the temperature plummets outside doesn’t have to be such a struggle. With the following effective strategies, you can maintain warmth in winter, making your home an inviting retreat from the chilly weather.

Harness the Sun’s Light and Heat

Making the most out of natural light is a powerful and straightforward way to stay warm during the colder months. Start by opening your curtains as soon as the sun appears. This lets light to flood in, naturally warming the room. Positioning furniture adjacent to the windows helps maximize this warmth. In south- or west-facing rooms that receive the most sunlight, try laying a dark-colored rug on the floor to absorb heat and slowly emit it into the room, even after the sun goes down.

Then, remember to shut your window coverings after dark to insulate the glass against the cool night air. For even better insulation, use thermal curtains or cellular shades designed to avoid heat loss. By harnessing the sun’s energy in this way, you can enhance home comfort and lower reliance on your heating system.

Prevent Heat Loss

Trapping warm air inside is the key to staying warm when it’s cold. Start by checking your home for drafts, especially around windows and doors. Use weather stripping or caulking on any gaps or cracks you locate to help stop heat loss.

Think about replacing antique single-pane windows with contemporary double-pane versions, which insulate with a pocket of air between the panes. If this improvement isn’t in the budget, hang heavy, insulating curtains or install insulating window film to counteract drafts.

Next, examine the insulation level in your attic. Since heat rises, this is a frequent spot for heat loss to take place. Adding additional insulation stops warm air from getting away. While you’re at it, check your home’s ductwork, as leaks here can lead to considerable heat loss.

Keep Your Furnace Tuned Up

Regular furnace maintenance is vital for efficient operation and longevity, especially during a challenging cold snap. Fortunately, you can do plenty of things to help your furnace run reliably all winter.

First, swap out the air filter frequently. A clean filter improves airflow and efficiency while decreasing the strain on your HVAC system. Get into the habit of where you inspect the filter monthly and replace it when it appears dirty or every three months, whichever comes first.

It’s also vital to keep the area around your heating system unobstructed. Clear any clutter to ensure adequate air circulation and avoid fire hazards. And when it comes to air circulation, keep all your return and supply vents unobstructed and free of debris. It’s tempting to seal vents in rooms not in use, but this throws off the return/supply air balance and may cause your heating system to overheat.

Then, employ a technician to examine and clean your furnace annually. This HVAC tech can deal with any lesser issues before they become significant problems, reducing the risk of a mid-season breakdown. You can also ask for individualized recommendations to help your system function at peak efficiency. Additionally, contemplate having your ductwork professionally sealed and insulated. This decreases heat loss and increases heating system efficiency.

Welcome Smart Thermostat Technology

If you still possess an old manual thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for enhanced temperature control and energy savings. A programmable thermostat lets you set your desired temperature at different times of the day and days of the week depending on your schedule and comfort preferences.

A smart thermostat takes this one step further by enabling you to monitor and control the temperature from anywhere using a smartphone app. Many models can even be modified with your preferred home automation voice assistant, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Learning thermostats do all the work for you, calculating your schedule, tracking when you’re home or away and changing the heat accordingly. This provides a warm, comfortable home with the lowest energy bills possible.

Another advantage of smart thermostats is their ability to offer comprehensive energy usage reports. These insights assist you in understanding your heating routines and identify opportunities to save. Automatic filter change alerts are also beneficial for reminding you about this vital maintenance chore.

Be Warm and Cozy in the U.S. with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

The staff at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help you enjoy a cozy and inviting home all winter long in the U.S.. Our ACE-certified technicians provide swift, enduring solutions, from preventive maintenance and emergency repairs to thorough HVAC installations and replacements. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can rest assured that Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing won’t consider the job complete until you’re satisfied with the results.

For proficient assistance that meets our name, call 866-397-3787 today!