How to Create a Warm, Cozy Home for the Holidays

This sponsored post is really coming at a great time because I was just thinking about how I could share with you about how to save energy and money on your winter heating bill

How to Create a Warm, Cozy Home for the Holidays

Winter is on its way again, and you are looking to lower that heating bill this season. Here are some things you can do in your home to help keep it warm and cozy without inflating your bill.

Maximize Furnace Efficiency

Your furnace will run better if it is kept in tip-top shape. The easiest part of furnace upkeep is replacing your filter every one to three months. You can find new replacement filters at the local hardware store. Installing a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds by keeping the temperature in your home lower while you are away or sleeping, and then warming your home while you are present. Don’t forget to close off rooms that are not in use, so you are only heating what you need.

Beyond the things you can do yourself, having a professional have heat installed and service your furnace annually will keep your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible. It can be dangerous to attempt furnace repairs or tuneups by yourself, so please hire a professional.

Have Insulation Refreshed

Image via Flickr by jmrodri

The biggest component to maximizing your furnace efficiency is keeping the heat within your home for as long as possible. This will be almost impossible to do if your insulation has degraded. A professional will be able to tell you if your insulation needs to be replaced or supplemented.

Make sure to have not only your walls evaluated but your attic checked, as well. The blown-in insulation typically used in attics will compress over time and require your attention.

Evaluate Your Windows and Doors

Now that your home is thoroughly insulated, you can check for drafts elsewhere. The most common draft culprits are your windows, doors, and outlets.

Draft stoppers under your doors will do a world of good keeping that cold air out. They aren’t very expensive, and if you are handy with some fabric, sand, and a sewing machine, you can even make your own. You can add foam or vinyl weatherstripping to your exterior doors to stop cold air from seeping in through those cracks and crevices between the door and the casing.

The drafts coming through your outlets can be easily sealed with some spray foam. Make sure you purchase the intumescent or fire-blocking kind.

If your windows are drafty culprits, as well, you can purchase plastic sheeting to attach to the frames. Flimsy plastic sheets don’t look like they will do much, but they can really save you hundreds of dollars on your heating bill by the end of the season. The kits are typically very easy to install. Once they are in place, you can hardly tell they are there.

You can also find thermal drapes and curtains to help keep the heat from escaping through your windows. It is best to leave the drapes open during the day, so the sun can warm your house, and then close them once the sun goes down.

As you look forward to the holiday season, you can take comfort in knowing your home will keep you warm and cozy through cooler weather and help you save on your energy bill.