Winter is here in full force, although in Colorado, we have had pretty mild temperatures so far (knock on wood). None the less, winter can be both a beautiful and trying season. Here are seven ways to winterize your home, keeping the heat in and the cold out.
- Close-up your flue
Flu season? More like flue season. Closing your flue this winter will keep warm air in and cold air out of your house. Doing so will help heat your home without hiking up your energy bill.
- Add heavy drapes and rugs
Changing light summer drapes for heavier winter ones was very popular in the days before central heat and air. Heavier drapes and rugs act as a second layer of insulation for your home.
- Replace less efficient windows and doors
Some people recommend re-caulking windows and doors, but that doesn’t help thin windows keep heat in and cold out. Instead, add double and triple-paned windows, insulated doors and garage doors to drastically affect the energy efficiency of your home.
- Must have: Fire Sense Hammered Gunmetal Patio Heater
No one likes being snowed in. if you want to enjoy the winter scenescapes from the comfort of your patio, installing the Fire Sense Patio Heater will keep your patio cozy on the season’s coldest day.
- Must have: Lyric Round Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat from The Home Depot
Programmable thermostats allow you to save energy while you’re away from your home. They are also more accurate and reliable than traditional thermostats, saving users an average of 10% on their energy bills.
- Block drafts
Placing draft blockers on drafty doors like those that lead to outside, the garage, or the basement will prevent inaccurate thermostat readings. It’s easy, inexpensive, and stylish all at the same time.
- Must have: Natural light lamp
If you live in a home in the mountains, there can be weeks where it’s very difficult to leave your house. Adding a natural light lamp will give your brain the same satisfaction as sunlight while you wait out the snow.
Taking these steps will save you both time and money in the long run. Saving money on keeping your house warm will give you more cash to spend in Breckenridge or Vail this season.
