As we enter the height of winter, your home might feel colder than ever. Some homeowners even claim that their house is pretty much always cold, which can be a blessing during summer but a curse in mid-January. “Cool temperatures inside the home can result from heat loss and inadequate insulation,” says Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert. “As a homeowner, it’s important to identify areas that may accelerate heat loss.” To help stop the indoor tundra that feels like it’s taken over your home, we asked heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) experts for their best advice on keeping your home warm—and a few reasons why it’s always so cold.
Why Is Your Home So Cold?
There are a few factors to consider when addressing the coldness of your home, according to Simon Bernath, HVAC expert. “One is an undersized heating system, like a furnace that doesn’t have the necessary BTU [British Thermal Unit] output, or if it is poorly maintained or older and less efficient,” he says. “Another factor is indeed poor insulation and air sealing, as your heating system will struggle to keep up in the coldest weather if the heat escapes too easily. Homeowners should try to improve your home’s insulation, replacing old windows and doors, and having an energy audit done to assess other recommended upgrades.”
Although this may make you and your family undoubtedly chilly, don’t worry just yet—there are multiple ways to address the freezing temperatures while creating a warm and comfortable environment in your home.
6 Tips to Keep Your Home Warm All Winter Long
Use an Air Sealing Kit
Bernath suggests using an air sealing kit to prevent a cold home in the winter—and this is one project you can DIY. Air sealing can be completed using caulk (for filling those small gaps and cracks in walls and around window frames) and placing weatherstripping around doors. You can purchase your own insulation kit at the home improvement store to stop drafts around doors and windows.
Open Sun-Facing Blinds
If there are specific windows in your home that face towards the sun, Bernath suggests keeping the blinds open to allow indirect sunlight to peek through. This can offer some natural warmth that you might be missing out on by keeping all your blinds closed.
Invest in a Space Heater
If your current heating system is inadequate and repairing it is a costly endeavor, Bernath suggests investing in a space heater to keep specific rooms heated while in use. Space heaters are typically inexpensive, with a high-quality one starting around $20. Just remember to follow the product’s safety recommendations and never leave a space heater in a room unattended.
Try Energy-Efficient Landscaping
As a preventative step, investing in energy-efficient landscaping can help curtail some of the cold air you feel indoors, according to Klosterman. “Proper landscaping can help protect your home from winter elements, reduce heating costs, and improve overall energy efficiency,” she says. “Strategically placed trees and shrubs act as natural barriers, blocking cold winds and retaining heat around your home.” In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy explains that carefully positioned trees can save approximately 25% of household energy.
Check Wall Insulation
“Insufficient insulation forces your heating system to work harder, wasting energy,” Klosterman says. “This results in higher energy bills and unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Checking and upgrading your wall insulation ensures your home remains energy-efficient and comfortable, helping you save on your energy bill in the long run.” In addition, Klosterman adds that most insulation projects are DIY-friendly so that you don’t have to break the bank.
Regularly Monitor Your Heating System
Besides addressing an inefficient heating system, it’s important to regularly monitor your HVAC system to ensure it’s working effectively (ideally ahead of wintertime). “While improving insulation could help, you’ll likely still need to use your HVAC system, chimney, water heater, or space heaters—especially in colder climates,” Klosterman says. “Regular maintenance on your home’s heating systems can help ensure they operate properly and efficiently.”
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