Homes can be expensive to keep warm and cozy in the wintertime, so homeowners everyone will be interested in learning tips for keeping your house warm. There are actually many cheap ways to heat your home – as a bonus, many of these tips also work in warm weather! Implement these tips as the cold weather settles in and feel confident knowing that you will spend less on utilities this winter.
Insulate Windows and Doors
If doors and windows are not properly insulated, air escapes around the edges. A home with poor insulation loses a lot of heat, which much be replaced by frequently running the heater. This drives up the monthly utility bill to new highs. Instead of cranking that thermostat, improve the insulation with a few simple steps:
- Add a line of caulk around windows to seal them firmly in the frame.
- Examine whether exterior doors are hung properly
- Replace older doors with new energy efficient doors
- Opt for double-pane windows, which resist heat loss
Improve Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a characteristic of homes that utilize energy in a highly efficient manner. This means that they take less energy – and thus less money – to heat and cool. They preserve the interior temperature at the level set by the homeowner for much longer than a home with poor energy efficiency. Therefore homeowners spend less money on climate control in every season; this saves them money over the long term and reduces the chance of spending money on wasted energy.
There are lots of ways to improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. Opting for doors and windows desired with this characteristic in mind is just one way. Using energy efficient appliances, including heaters and air conditioners, can also lower your monthly utility bills by a significant amount.
Improve Attic Insulation
Many different features of your home can be made energy efficient, including roofs and walls. Speaking with a contractor about the amount of insulation in your attic and the type of insulation used is a good way to determine if this feature could be improved. Many new advancements in insulation technology have been made and there may be products available that you were unaware of. This will help keep your home at the desired temperature for much longer.
Add Some Window Dressing
If brand new windows are not in the budget, hanging heavy drapes in front of large windows is a good way of keeping cold air at bay. These curtains prevent cold air from entering too far inside your home and steeling away the warmth. The air near large panes of glass can be several degrees colder than the air further inside a room, so putting up a barrier between these two climate zones helps keep them firmly separated. This is also a great option for boosting the appearance of a living room, bedroom, or dining room that needs a fresh look.
Seal Up Basement Cracks
Is your foundation cracking? Can you see fine lines and fissures running through your basements walls? Even small cracks have the potential to disrupt your home’s heating cycle. Cold air can seep through these cracks and create cold spots in your basement. These cold spots stubbornly resist getting warm and cause problems when it comes to keeping your basement at a comfortable temperature. Seal up these cracks with the help of a qualified contractor and get rid of those cold spots once and for all.
Speak With Your Agent About Great Insurance Coverage
These are just a few cost effective ways to heat your home. The right homeowners insurance policy will give you peace of mind in every season. Your family deserves the protection that only great insurance can provide. Speak with a bolt insurance agent today about your coverage options.
