If you’re the kind of person who sets the thermostat and won’t touch it again no matter how cold it gets, you’re not alone. With energy bills climbing and more people thinking about their environmental impact, a lot of homeowners are looking for ways to stay warm without using more energy.
The good news is that you can stay comfortable without cranking up the heat. Read on for six simple adjustments and low-effort upgrades that will make your home cozier while keeping energy use in check.
1. Cut Window Drafts
Ever notice how some rooms feel colder no matter what the thermostat says? Drafty windows are often to blame. In fact, windows can account for a surprisingly large amount of heat loss — as much as 30 percent, according to the Department of Energy. Even newer windows can let cold air seep in, making rooms feel drafty no matter how high your thermostat is set.
Adding window kits is a simple, low-cost way to add a barrier against the cold. These plastic sheets are applied to the inside window frame to create a layer of insulation that stops drafts. You’ll notice an immediate improvement, especially in rooms that feel colder than the rest of the house. Read this post for a step-by-step installation guide. To cut drafts even more, check window frames and trim for small gaps and seal them with removable caulk or weatherstripping.
2. Block Drafts at the Door
That little gap under the door may not look like much, but it’s letting in a steady stream of cold air. Think of it as leaving a window cracked open all winter. Adding a door sweep is one of the fastest ways to fix the problem. This video shows you how to install one:
3. Layer Curtains
If you’re feeling chilly, you add an extra layer to warm up. But did you know the same thing works for your windows?
Curtains do more than give you privacy. They can also provide an extra layer of insulation that blocks cold air from windows. Swap out thin sheers for thicker, layered curtains to help trap warmth indoors. Thermal or blackout curtains are especially effective.
Close curtains at night to keep cold air out and open them during the day to let heat from the sun naturally warm the room. It’s a simple way to make rooms feel warmer with no added energy cost.
4. Fix Your Floors
When the floors are cold, your rooms will feel chilly even if the actual indoor temperature is reasonable. Adding an area rug does more than make your room look good; it acts as an insulating layer that makes rooms cozier. Thicker rugs with padding underneath offer the most benefit, but even thinner rugs help cut drafts. Focus on adding rugs to the rooms where you spend the most time, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices.
5. Use Humidity to Your Advantage
Dry air can make a room feel chillier than it actually is. Running a humidifier that adds moisture to the air will make rooms feel warmer, even at lower temperatures. An added bonus? Adding humidity to the air also reduces static electricity and helps hydrate dry skin.
6. Rearrange Furniture for Better Warmth
How you arrange your furniture isn’t just about making your room look good. If you set your space up right, it will actually feel more comfortable. If couches or other large pieces are placed in front of vents or radiators, they block warm air from circulating through rooms, making rooms feel colder. Move seating and furniture away from the wall so vents are unobstructed and heated air can make its way into your living spaces. You may also want to add a heat and air deflector to vents to direct air down and into your rooms.
