Guidance for Keeping Warm and Comfortable in Winter

As winter’s chill persists for yet another month, ensuring your home stays warm and cozy is a crucial priority. Staying cozy within your residence when the temperature plummets outside doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the following strategic ideas, you can maintain warmth in winter, making your home a welcoming retreat from the chilly weather.

Harness the Sun’s Light and Heat

Optimizing natural light is a powerful and easy way to stay warm in winter. Start by opening your curtains as soon as the sun comes up. This lets light to flow through the windows, naturally warming the room. Positioning furniture near the windows helps make the most of this warmth. In south- or west-facing rooms that get the most sunlight, consider laying a dark-colored rug on the floor to absorb heat and slowly release it into the room, even after the sun goes down.

Then, remember to close your window coverings after dark to insulate the glass against the cold night air. For improved insulation, use thermal curtains or cellular shades designed to stop heat loss. By utilizing the sun’s energy this way, you can enhance home comfort and minimize reliance on your heater.

Avoid Heat Loss

Trapping warm air inside is crucial to staying warm in winter. Start by examining your home for drafts, especially around windows and doors. Put weather stripping or caulking on any gaps or cracks you discover to help prevent heat loss.

An effective strategy is replacing antique single-pane windows with contemporary double-pane versions, which insulate with a pocket of air between the panes. If this enhancement isn’t within your budget, hang heavy, insulating curtains or install insulating window film to counteract drafts.

Next, assess the insulation level in your attic. Since heat rises, this is a typical spot for heat loss to occur. Adding more insulation stops warm air from getting away. While you’re at it, inspect your home’s ductwork, as leaks here can lead to considerable heat loss.

Make Sure Your Heating System Is in Top Shape

Routine furnace maintenance is essential for efficient performance and longevity, especially during a challenging cold snap. Luckily, you can do many tasks to help your furnace operate dependably all winter.

First, change the air filter regularly. A clean filter boosts airflow and efficiency while reducing the strain on your heating system. Develop a routine to check the filter monthly and replace it when it seems dirty or every three months, whichever comes first.

It’s also vital to keep the area around your heating system unobstructed. Eliminate any clutter to ensure correct air circulation and prevent fire hazards. And speaking of air circulation, keep all your return and supply vents unblocked and uncovered. It’s tempting to shut vents in rooms not being used, but this disrupts the return/supply air balance and may cause your HVAC system to overheat.

Then, engage a technician to check and clean your furnace annually. This professional can deal with any small issues before they become serious problems, reducing the risk of a mid-season breakdown. You can also ask for personalized advice to help your system operate effectively. Moreover, think about having your ductwork professionally sealed and insulated. This minimizes heat loss and improves heating system efficiency.

Adopt Smart Thermostat Technology

If you still have an old manual thermostat, contemplate 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 letting you monitor and control the temperature virtually using a smartphone app. Many models can even be modified with your preferred home automation voice assistant, including Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Learning thermostats automate the process, calculating your schedule, tracking when you’re home or away and modifying the heat accordingly. This ensures a warm, comfortable home with the lowest energy bills possible.

Another positive aspect of smart thermostats is their ability to provide comprehensive energy usage reports. These insights aid you in understanding your heating routines and identify opportunities to save. Automatic filter change reminders are also helpful in reminding you about this vital maintenance responsibility.

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

The crew at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help you enjoy a pleasant and snug home all winter long in the U.S.. Our ACE-certified technicians offer fast, long-lasting solutions, from preventive maintenance and emergency repairs to comprehensive HVAC installations and replacements. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can be sure that Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing won’t mark the job complete until you’re satisfied with the results.

For proficient service that matches our name, call 866-397-3787 today!