With colder weather moving in, everyone who lives in St. Louis knows that winter can be rough. Many of us spend more of our time inside our warm and comfortable homes from November to March (or so). Here are some ideas that will not only keep your house warm and toasty through the colder months, but may also help you lower your monthly energy bills too:

Sunlight

The sun naturally heats the earth, and we can use that to our advantage. Find the windows that receive direct sunlight and leave those shades or curtains open during the day. Even on the coldest days, the sunlight will still raise the temperature of your home. When the sun goes down, though, make sure the curtains or shades are closed up tight, so they provide a little extra insulation. If you don’t have window treatments currently, they’re a good investment and the thicker the fabric, the better the insulation.

Use Your Ceiling Fans

Running your fans when it’s cold out may seem counterintuitive. However, many ceiling fans have a winter mode which reverses the airflow by spinning the blades clockwise. In winter mode, the fan pushes the heat down toward the floor, so it doesn’t escape through the ceiling. Keep the fan speed low, or else you’ll feel a breeze.

Make Sure the Vents Are Clear

Whether you have an HVAC system, propane heating or even an old-fashioned radiator, ensure that that there’s nothing blocking the vents in every room.  Move your tables, sofa, and bookcases far enough away from your vents so the heat can circulate freely. 

Check the Insulation

This can get expensive but making sure your attic space is insulated will not only keep your house warm, but it will also save you money in the long term. Heat is also commonly lost through doors and windows if the weather stripping is frayed or if they aren’t caulked properly. Inspect every window and door for drafts, and if you find any, add fresh weather stripping or caulk.

Think About Layers

Anyone with tile or wood flooring knows how cold they can get in the winter. They can’t retain heat like rugs and carpeting, so adding some area rugs will function as another type of insulation. This is particularly important in the bathroom — stepping out of a hot shower onto a freezing tile floor is very unpleasant. While you’re in the process of adding layers, you can also consider adding some pillows and throw blankets to the mix. Plush materials absorb the heat and help to keep your room cozier.

Keep your house nice and warm using these tips and you’ll be comfortable until spring.

If you’d like to talk more about any of these ideas, or if there’s another matter I can be of assistance with, please reach out. I’d love to set aside some time to connect.