5 Cost-Effective Ways to Heat Your Home

Guest Post: Felicia Wilkes

Winter is coming, and you might wonder how to heat your home and keep it warm and cozy without breaking the bank. Heating and cooling costs can be a major expense for homeowners, especially if you live in a cold climate or have an old or inefficient heating system. 

But don’t worry; there are some simple and affordable ways to heat your home that can save you money and energy. Here are five cost-effective tips for heating your home this winter:

Cover Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are often the biggest culprits when it comes to heat loss in a home. Cold air can seep in through gaps around windows and doors, making your home feel much colder than it is. One way to address this issue is by covering them with weatherstripping, draft stoppers, and plastic window insulation kits.

Weatherstripping involves applying a strip of foam or rubber to the gaps to create a seal that prevents drafts from entering your home. Draft stoppers are similar but designed to be placed at the bottom of doors. 

On the other hand, plastic window insulation kits involve applying a thin film of plastic over the window and then using a hairdryer to shrink it tight. It creates an insulating barrier that helps keep the cold air out.

Use Space Heaters

Space heaters can be a cost-effective way to supplement heating in colder rooms, especially if you spend most of your time in one or two rooms. They’re portable and can heat a specific area of your home without turning up the thermostat for the entire house. However, it’s important to use space heaters safely and efficiently.

First, select the right type of space heater: convection heaters or radiant heaters. Convection heaters heat the air in the room, while radiant heaters use infrared radiation to heat objects directly. Each type has pros and cons, so choosing the one that suits your needs is vital.

Second, make sure to follow safety guidelines when using space heaters. Never leave them unattended or use them in an area with flammable materials. Follow at least three feet of clearance from any objects or walls, and plug them directly into a wall outlet rather than an extension cord or power strip.

Make Use of Natural Heat Sources

One of the most affordable and accessible ways to keep your home warm in the winter is to use natural heat sources, such as sunlight. Sunlight can provide free and renewable energy to help you reduce your heating bills and carbon footprint. 

Here are some tips for maximizing natural heat sources in your home:

• Open your curtains during the day to let the sunlight in. It will allow the sun to heat your rooms and create a cozy atmosphere. You can also use light-colored curtains or blinds that reflect the light and prevent it from escaping.
• Close your curtains at night to trap the heat inside. It will create an insulating layer that prevents heat loss through the windows. You can also use thick or thermal curtains with a lining or a backing that blocks out the cold air.
• Use south-facing windows to capture the most sunlight. South-facing windows receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day, especially in the winter when the sun is low in the sky. You can place furniture or plants near these windows to absorb and radiate the heat.

Take Advantage of Insulation to Keep Heat In

Insulation is a barrier that prevents heat from escaping through your home’s walls, ceilings, floors, and windows. By insulating your home, you can maintain a comfortable temperature inside and reduce the need for heating.

Many insulation materials, such as fiberglass, cellulose, foam, and mineral wool, are available. The insulation’s effectiveness is measured by its R-value, which shows how well it prevents heat flow. The quality of the insulation increases with the R-value.

To insulate your home, you should start with the areas that lose the most heat, such as the attic and the walls. You can add insulation to your attic by laying rolls or batts between the joists or blowing loose-fill insulation into the space. You can also insulate your walls by filling the cavities with loose-fill or foam insulation or adding rigid boards or panels to the exterior.

Another important step to insulating your home is to seal any leaks that allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape. You can use caulk, weatherstripping, spray foam or other sealants to close the gaps around doors, windows, pipes, vents and electrical outlets. By sealing air leaks, you can improve the performance of your insulation and prevent drafts and moisture problems.

Use Curtains and Rugs

Using curtains and rugs is one of the simplest and most economical ways to keep your house warm throughout the winter. Curtains and rugs can help insulate your windows and floors, often the main sources of heat loss in a house. They can also add some coziness and style to your rooms. 

Follow these tips when choosing curtains and rugs to keep you warm and save money on heating bills:

• Choose thick and heavy fabrics for your curtains. Velvet, wool, or fleececan create a barrier between the cold air outside and the warm air inside, preventing heat from escaping through the windows. You can also look for curtains with a thermal lining or a blackout layer, further enhancing their insulating properties.
• Hang curtains close to the window,covering the entire frame. You can also use curtain rods that extend beyond the window frame so that the curtains can block any gaps or cracks around the edges. You should close your curtains when the temperature drops at night and open them during the day when the sun can provide some natural warmth.
• Choose rugs with a high pile or a thick texture. Fuzzy, fluffy, or furry rugs can trap more air and create more insulation for your floors, accounting for up to 10% of heat loss in a house. You can also layer rugs on each other or carpets for extra warmth and comfort.
• Place rugs in strategic areas of your house. Beneath high-traffic spots like your sofa, bed, or dining table are where you can benefit from additional warmth and comfort from rugs.
• Rugs can serve multiple purposes. You can also use rugs to cover any cold or drafty spots on your floors, such as near doors or windows. Rugs can also help reduce noise and create a more inviting atmosphere in your rooms.

Keeping your home warm and cozy doesn’t have to break the bank. By implementing these cost-effective tips, you can take the chill away without sacrificing the comfort of your wallet. Whether using draft stoppers, harnessing the sun’s power, or upgrading your insulation, there are plenty of simple and effective ways to keep your home warm and cozy all winter.

Think about how much heat you need and how you can save energy to make your home comfortable and inviting while lowering your carbon footprint and saving money on your energy bills.

About the Author

Felicia Wilkes is the Content Marketing Strategist for A-One Refrigeration & Heating, a family-owned and operated business that has been happily providing homes and businesses with quality HVAC services since 1980. When not writing, she does bird-watching with her family and relaxes through stand up paddle board yoga.