Does Your Home Feel Cold and Drafty in the Winter Months – Simple Fixes That Will Help Warm Up the Space

For some people, winter is their very favorite time of year. They love it once the temperature starts to drop outdoors, as they can start to wear heavier layers of clothing, and cozy up on the couch when they’re inside. For others, winter can be downright miserable, and you feel as though you can just never quite warm up and get comfortable. Here’s the thing, it may not be in your mind; it could be that your house has a draft and has problems getting and staying warm during the winter months.

Rather than just settling for the fact that you’re bound to be uncomfortable and cold in your home for months at a time, despite the fact that the furnace is running full blast, here are some tips you can use that will help warm up the space.

Use an Electric Heater

One of the fastest and easiest fixes to your problem is to pick up an electric heater. Electric heaters are portable, can be used in almost any room of your house, and provide instant warmth. Rather than just keep cranking your furnace and trying to get the whole house up to a temperature you like, you can focus on keeping one room at a time comfortable. In that sense, it’s also much more economical.

What’s great about today’s electric heaters is that the majority of them include a variety of safety features that will prevent over-heating, have cool-touch exteriors, and will even shut-off if they accidentally are tipped over. Take a read of this article from Lasko which discusses all the pros of a heater, and why it can be the perfect solution for your winter chill: https://www.lasko.com/why-an-electric-heater-may-be-right-for-you/. If you do think it would be worthwhile, they have a number of products that you can take a look at whilst you’re there. 

Make Use of Window Coverings

Another tip is to start looking at window coverings in a new way. Sure, they add privacy to rooms, and act as a décor feature, but you can also buy styles that act as insulation. Insulated curtains do a fantastic job at keeping that draft at bay, causing the warm air to stay in your home and not escape. If you have any gaps or cracks in your windows and/or window frames, insulated curtains can be even more effective.

And these don’t just help in the winter, as they will also help to keep the cool air in your home during the summer, causing less drain on your home’s air conditioner unit.

Use Ceiling Fans to Help Circulate the Heat

When the cold weather starts to settle in, many people stop using their ceiling fans. But here’s the thing – as long as you have a forced air heat system in the house, it’s best to leave them on. Simply reverse the direction of the ceiling fan, and you’ll find that it does an excellent job of circulating that warm air through the home. This is especially good for homes that have cold and warm pockets, or have two floors wherein the top floor isn’t usually as warm as the main floor.

Are Your Air Vents Blocked?

This is also a good time to do a check of all your individual air vents through the home. Are any of them blocked by furniture, toys, etc.? Also, they should be set in the fully open position. In order for the heat to make its way to every corner in your home, all the vents need to be fully operational.

Insulate Your Windows

If the curtains alone aren’t helping, and you want to be able to take advantage of the sunlight pouring in, insulating your windows could be a great option. You can purchase a window insulation kit at any hardware store and do it yourself. They are quick and easy to install and are meant to be a short-term solution. In other words, you can use it through the winter months, and then take it down.

Start Using Throw Blankets

Finally, you can make use of throw blankets and place them on couches, chairs, and beds. These will give you that extra bit of warmth when your chill just won’t subside, plus they can act as décor in the room. When shopping for throws, look for plush materials that are thick and cozy. Great examples include fleece, polar fleece, Sherpa, and wool. 

Typically, the larger the throw you purchase, the better. You want it to be able to fully cover you so you can be nice and toasty. 

No Need to Dread the Cold of Winter

By following these basic and simple steps, you’ll be able to create a much more comfortable and warm home environment come winter. That also means you don’t have to dread the cold, and instead you can embrace it and find the beauty in it.