Winter weather often keeps us indoors this time of year. That’s why it’s important to ensure your home meets your comfort standards through each snowfall and subzero temperatures. At Wyckoff, home comfort is always top of mind. Consider our checklist of ways to keep your home toasty all winter long.

Rearrange Furniture, Away From Vents

Check the furniture in your home to make sure it is not blocking vents, especially in the living room and bedrooms. This will ensure each room is heated to its maximum potential and prevent furniture from absorbing heat that could otherwise heat your home.

Close Off Unused Rooms

If there are rooms in your home you don’t use on a regular basis, don’t waste energy heating them. Close the vents and doors in the room to contain the heat you’ve generated in rooms you frequently utilize.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

With busy schedules, it’s easy to leave home without adjusting your thermostat – let a programmable thermostat do the work for you. If your home is empty during the day or you will be out of town for a few days, be sure to lower your thermostat. Lowering the temperature to 60 degrees during the day will maintain enough warmth, while cutting down on your energy costs.

Utilize Your Curtains

No matter the temperature, the sun can provide added warmth to your home. Keep curtains open during the day, and be sure to shut them at night to prevent heat loss. You may also wish to invest in thermal curtains or add lining to your current drapes for extra warmth.

Add Foil To Your Radiators

Adding tinfoil on the back of your radiators will reflect heat into the room rather than allow it to escape to the ceiling. You can go the specialty foil route or simply utilize kitchen foil.

Add Layers To Wood Floors

According to the National Energy Foundation, uninsulated wood floors can account for up to 10 percent of a home’s heat loss. Adding carpet or an area rug is a simply way to keep your home warm.

Draft Proof

Check for gaps under doors and windows, in your attic and basement, and even in your kitchen hood vent. Caulking can be a great tool for cracks and gaps, while draft excluder strips and towels can prevent heat loss under doors and windows.

Set Your Ceiling Fans To Rotate Clockwise

Ceiling fans should be changed seasonally. The clockwise setting allows the fan to push heat down into your rooms, rather than being trapped near the ceiling. This is especially beneficial if you have high or sloped ceilings. 

Leave Oven And Bathroom Doors Open

There are certain doors in your home that, if left open, can increase the heat in your house. For example, after a shower or bath, you can leave the door open to allow heat and steam to warm nearby rooms. The same is true after you have used your oven.

Contact Your Energy Supplier

You may or may not have the option to change your energy provider, but you can contact your current supplier to see if they can offer a better price. A quick phone call could result in significant savings over the course of a year.

Remember, in addition to these housewarming tips, it’s really about keeping the person warm. There are several ways to do so, including changing your sheets to flannel, wearing layers and sipping hot tea or coffee.

For more seasonal tips and ways to keep your home cozy this winter, read more of our helpful tips on our blog or give us a call at (515) 287-6000.