7 ways to keep your home warm this winter
Keep your home warm this winter with our awesome tips. During the colder months, staying warm can cause a significant spike in your electricity bills. Not only does this put a strain on your finances, but it also has a negative impact on the environment.
With South Africa’s unstable electricity supply, it’s important to make the effort to conserve energy in your home. Don’t own a house yet? Find your dream home on GotProperty.
1. Invest in thick curtains
Thick curtains help to prevent heat loss through your windows. Buying new curtains is also an opportunity to give your home a fresh new style. Leave the curtains open on sunny days to make the most of this natural heat source.
As the sun sets, close your curtains for extra insulation. It’s important to ensure that they cover the windows properly without any gaps. This helps to keep warm air in and cold air out.
2. Renovate your roof
Keep your home warm by installing quality roof insulation. While this renovation project requires an initial investment, it will save you money on electricity bills in the long run. Home renovations also increase the value of your property.
If your roof is poorly insulated, cold air enters your house from outside. When you have your heater on, the warmth is also lost through a poorly insulated roof.
3. Upgrade windows and doors
Old windows are likely to have reduced thermal performance. Upgrading your windows to a newer design with good thermal performance helps to keep the heat inside when you warm your home.
If you don’t want to buy new windows, you can still benefit from sealing the openings in your doors and windows. Proper window and door maintenance help to keep your home warm during the cold months. A simple strategy is to position a draft excluder under your door.
4. Reposition your furniture
Make sure that your furniture isn’t stopping heat from circulating around your room. Placing your couch by your heater may seem like a great strategy but it will absorb some of the heat that could be warming the room.
5. Add warmth
Make the most of any extra heat sources in your home. If you have a hot bath, wait until the water has cooled down prior to draining it. After baking, switch off your stove and leave the stove door slightly open so that the heat helps to warm the room.
Place blankets within easy reach in your living room so that when you sit down to relax, you can use them to stay warm without turning up the heater.
Adding throws to your couch can upgrade the style of your living room while providing an additional source of warmth when you need it. Cuddling with your pets keeps both you and your furry friends warm during the cold winter months.
Make sure that you let your pets sleep inside during winter so that they can stay warm too. Give them plenty of blankets and a warm bed to sleep in.
6. Purchase a carpet
If you want to keep your home warm, consider carpeting your living spaces. Placing your feet on cold tiles adds to the chilliness of the winter months. If you don’t want to change your flooring, buy a few thick rugs to place in your living spaces during winter.
7. Plant trees in the right position
Trees should be planted in positions that offer your house protection from cold winds without blocking your sunlight. This allows you to make the most of the natural heat from the sun to keep your home warm during winter. Evergreen trees are useful when they’re strategically planted to decrease the effects of cold winds in your home.
Trees that lose their leaves in winter can provide shade during the summer months without blocking the sunlight during the cooler months.
Use these tips to keep your home warm during winter without spending a fortune. A few strategic adjustments can warm your home in no time. Looking for a new home? Find houses for sale on GotProperty today.
