As we approach the longest and coldest part of the winter season, homeowners are focused on keeping their houses warm and cozy. After a long day at work and running errands in the cold, the last thing you want to do is come home to a house that is cold and drafty.
Even with an efficient furnace heating your home, it is important to pay proper attention to your windows as they can potentially be the main pathway for the cold of winter to creep into your home. Here’s how:
Brush Snow Off
It is important to make sure that you do not let snow collect, or sit on your windows. The cold snow against the glass will cool the inside of the glass, therefore, creating drafts. Frequently brush snow off your windows and consider putting up snow fences to redirect large amounts of snow from creating drifts around your house.
Temporary Insulation
During extremely cold times you can temporarily insulate your walls and windows using blankets found around the house. Especially if you are living in an older home with low-quality insulation, cold air can radiate through the walls and windows to enter your home. Hanging blankets is a quick and cost-effective solution to add an extra layer of insulation during harsh cold spells.
Blinds and Shades
Shop around and find blinds and shades that are specifically designed to help insulate windows. This will provide a more permanent solution to fighting the cold. As a bonus, these blinds can be used all year round to block out the sun and create privacy in your home.
Insulation Kits
Not interested in blinds? No problem! There are a variety of insulation kits that can be purchased and easily installed to prevent heat loss. These kits are particularly useful to not only block outside cold air from entering the home but also to prevent indoor heat from escaping.
Soak up the Sun
Even when the temperature outside is very cold, the sun can still be used as a natural source of heat. When the sun is shining, make sure that your south facing windows are uncovered in order to let solar heat in during daytime hours.
Tightly Seal
An important tip when it comes to home heating is tightly sealing your windows. It is unlikely that you will need to frequently open your windows during the winter months so sealing them is a great idea! Use a caulking kit to seal the cracks around the outside of your windows to eliminate any direct pathways for drafts.
Strategically Position Radiators
If you are going to use mobile radiators to contribute extra heat to your home, make sure you place them away from the windows to keep in as much of the extra heat that’s produced as possible.
These home heating tips will help you properly prepare and use your windows to keep your home warm during the winter. Follow these ideas to find yourself with a cozier home and smaller heating bills!
