This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.
How has your home been holding up in the colder days of winter? By taking a few simple steps, you can create a cozy oasis where you and your family can hibernate enjoyably. Let’s dive into some essential tips on how to keep warm in your home during winter:
1. Seal those drafts
- Check for drafts around windows and doors and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any gaps.
- Use draft stoppers at the base of doors to prevent cold air from sneaking in anytime you open or close them.
- Check for drafts along baseboards and use white or clear paintable caulk to fill gaps between the trim and the floor.
2. Inspect and maintain your heating system
- You can regularly perform your own routine checks, like inspecting for any unusual noises or odors, on your heating system to ensure its operating efficiently and safely—catching something sooner rather than later helps you avoid costly furnace or boiler repairs.
- Change your furnace filters regularly (about once a month during winter) to maintain good airflow, improve indoor air quality and maintain your heating system so it doesn’t require repair.
3. Prep your fireplace or wood stove
- If your home has a fireplace or wood-burning stove, make sure it’s cleaned inside and outside so it’s ready to use. Hire a professional chimney sweeper, if necessary, to clean out flues and perform a thorough inspection.
- Prepare for evenings when temperatures drop by stocking up on firewood and kindling.
4. Check the roof
- Winter weather is notorious for wreaking havoc on roofs, so make sure yours is thoroughly inspected and can stand up to the elements to prevent costly damage mid-season.
5. Insulate, insulate, insulate
- Proper insulation is key to keeping warmth in and cold out. You can choose cost-effective materials, such as foam board or fiberglass, for especially drafty areas like attics and basements.
- If your home is older than 20 years, make sure that your walls are sufficiently insulated as well.
6. Seal off unused rooms
- Close the doors to rooms that you don’t use often to conserve heat in the areas you do use.
- If you have a central heating system, you can close the vents in unused rooms to direct more heat to the occupied spaces.
7. Reverse ceiling fans
- Ceiling fans help distribute warm air evenly. Reversing the direction of your fans to move clockwise will push warm air down.
8. Adjust your thermostat
- Lower your thermostat a few degrees during the night or when you’re not at home. A programmable thermostat such as smart thermostats can help automate this process.
- Bundle up in warmer clothing when you’re at home to stay comfortable at a slightly lower indoor temperature.
9. Prevent pipes from freezing
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as the basement or attic, to prevent freezing and potential damage.
- Allow faucets to drip slowly during extremely cold nights to prevent them from freezing.
10. Stock up on all things warm and cozy
- Have a stash of thick blankets, throws and plush rugs on hand—these will help keep you toasty and create an inviting winter ambiance in your home.
- Windows can increase the chill factor in your home, so consider swapping out lightweight curtains for heavier, insulated ones to keep the cold at bay.
By following these tips, you can make your household as winter ready as possible. But just as nature can be unpredictable, so can our homes and appliances—that’s why equipment protection plans are a good option to give you even greater peace of mind.
Learn more about WorryFree® Protection Plans, and view our brief Facts from the Field videos for more tips.
This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local brand partner. To learn more, click here.
