Don’t Crank the Heat: 10 Ways to Keep Warm this Winter

The winter chill has arrived in Sacramento.  The colder months are here and homeowners are always looking for ways to stay cozy and warm. You can crank up the thermostat to heat up your home, but it’s not the most cost effective option, especially when the utility bill arrives.  Here are some ways you can keep your home, and yourself, warm without cranking the heat.

It’s Great to Insulate

Insulation is one of the best and most affordable ways to make your home warmer. The Department of Energy estimates that a properly insulated attic can shave 10 to 50 percent off your heating bill.  Insulation will save you money and add comfort to your home.

Ditch the Fire in the Fireplace

Traditional wood burning fireplaces are cozy and warm during a cold winter’s night. Sitting next to a toasty fire with a cup of hot cocoa is one of life’s simple pleasures. However, a fireplace is counter-productive in keeping your home warm. Between 80 and 90 percent of the heat produced by wood burned in an open fireplace is lost up the chimney. According to the Department of Energy, conventional fireplaces are one of the most inefficient heat sources. All that warm air lost up the chimney must be replaced by cold air brought from the outside and then reheated by the furnace. Also, always make sure to close your damper to keep the cold air out.

Fireplaces are picturesque and a mainstay in American homes, just don’t depend on them to heat your entire home efficiently.

Keep Warm at Night with Flannel Sheets

Nobody wants to shiver under the covers while they’re trying to sleep at night. Crawling into a cold bed at night can be unsettling. Flannel sheets are the best option for maximum coziness and warmth at night. Turn down the heat and pull up the flannel sheets and you’ll start to see substantial savings each month when your energy bill arrives.

Use Your Curtains Wisely

Even when it’s cold outside, there are days when it’s still sunny. Use it to your advantage by opening the curtains during a sunny day. Sunlight provides plenty of natural warmth on a cold day. That’s why you always see the cat perched on the window sill keeping warm. When the sun sets, don’t forget to close your curtains. Without sunlight, heat escapes back the way it came, through your windows. Use heavy curtains to trap the heat in your home.

Area Rugs to Keep the Floor Insulated

According to the National Energy Foundation floors account for as much as 10 percent of heat loss if they’re not insulated, and rugs can be that missing insulation. A good area rug can reduce the amount of heat needed to keep you warm in a room and create a soft warm barrier between your feet and the cold hard floor. They act as insulation between the floor and your feet. The thicker the rug, the better the insulation. They’ll also add a little color and style to the room.

Unblock Those Heating Vents

Sometimes we put furniture in a room without planning around heating and air vents. Moving furniture away from these spots helps air flow and prevents heat from getting trapped in the wrong places. Don’t cover your heating vents with the lazy-boy recliner or sofa. Do some proper space planning and scoot your furniture away from the walls to prevent blocking your vents.

Ceiling Fan Reversal

Ceiling fans are an excellent way to cool you down during the hot summer months. They rotate counter clockwise to push air downward and create a draft. During the winter, reverse your ceiling fans rotation to push cool air upward and mix with the rising heat. The mixed air will spread downward, making the room feel warmer.

What’s Cookin’ in the Kitchen?

If you don’t have little ones, open your oven after cooking. There’s nothing quite like the smell of a country ham or a hot apple pie cooking in the kitchen. When you cook with your oven in the winter, make the most out of the heat when you’re done cooking by leaving the door open. The hot air from the oven will warm up your kitchen for a little bit and add an extra delicious scent to the house, too.

Bundle Up!

Bundle up inside the home.  If you’re wearing a tank top, shorts and no socks in the winter time you’ll be tempted to crank the thermostat. The best way to stay warm and reduce your heating bill is to bundle up with layers. We’re not suggesting you wear ear muffs and a parka inside the home, but bundling up will help you keep warm and cozy without cranking the heat. Flannel pajamas, wool socks, or a comfy sweater will go a long way to keeping you warm in the winter. Wrapping yourself up in a cozy blanket while you watch your favorite TV show is also a good way to keep warm when it’s chilly outside.

Area Rugs to Keep the Floor Insulated

According to the National Energy Foundation floors account for as much as 10 percent of heat loss if they’re not insulated, and rugs can be that missing insulation. A good area rug can reduce the amount of heat needed to keep you warm in a room and create a soft warm barrier between your feet and the cold hard floor. They act as insulation between the floor and your feet. The thicker the rug, the better the insulation. They’ll also add a little color and style to the room.

Cuddle Up With a Loved One

Cuddling with your significant other under a blanket will warm you up faster than a wool sweater. It’s not only energy efficient, it may have some other added benefits as well. If you don’t have a significant other, you can always cuddle up to the dog, they’re a living space heater!

If you have any questions about heating your home more efficiently this winter, Don’t worry, we’re on it! Give the Bonney Certified Premier HVAC technicians a call at 800-444-0551.