The temperature is not something we really think about for the most part. When it’s cold outside, we know we need a coat or if you wake up feeling a little cold, you grab an extra blanket. It seems like no big deal, especially if you are used to the cooler weather. However, recent studies show that the temperature actually plays a much bigger part in your health and productivity in life than you may thing. It also makes a huge impact in those that have respiratory problems. When temperatures were warmer for study subjects, it seemed that their health improved as well as their general productivity. So, what are some ways that you make your home warmer without increasing your utility bill? Here are some ideas.
Make sure your home is properly insulated
You can not only make your home warmer by investing in good insulation but you can save on home air conditioning repair as well. There are several things you can do to make sure that your home is properly insulated. You can invest in double pane windows or lay loft insulation in your loft or attic. This alone would safe an entire ton of carbon dioxide a year as well as lowering your utility bill immensely. Neither of these things are as expensive as they sound. Even if it does turn out to be a little more money than you wanted to pay, it will eventually even out and end up paying for itself over time in the saved utility bills.
Use your fireplace more
The fireplace is such a romantic way to warm your home. It’s sounds great, looks great and is very functional. If you have an open plan home, a fireplace can heat up your entire house but if not, the fire will still warm the room that it is in and the surrounding areas. If you have a very large house, then of course the fire from one fireplace isn’t going to be the same as central heating but it will definitely help out. It’s a good way to give your HVAC systems a little break, at least.
Replace any worn or torn weatherstripping
If you have places in your weatherstripping that are worn out or torn, then this can allow a drafts and cold air to get in. It doesn’t matter how much you turn up your heating, you are still going to get a draft if you don’t fix the weatherstripping. It should be replaced every 2-3 years on average because it will naturally wear out. Replacing it is extremely easy and cheap. You merely have to pull off the old stuff and tack on the new one.
Stop drafts coming through outlets
Often times, residents thing that they need home air conditioning repairs when really the problem is that the electrical outlets are too drafty. In the summer, hot air can come through them and in the winter, cold air. To stop leaky outlets, take off the cover plates and fill all the gaps with caulking. You can also use foam sealant if the gaps are very large. The small investment (about $1.10) will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Use portable heaters
If you don’t want to have the heating and air conditioning on at all and completely avoid maintenance, home air conditioning repair as well as the bills you could invest in a few space heaters for the house. If one room as a fireplace, then you could build the fire in that room and use portable heaters for the other rooms. Of course, you’ll have to spend the money buying the heaters and you’ll pay for the electricity that you use by plugging the space heaters in but it will still probably be less than electricity to run an HVAC system and you’ll avoid home air conditioning repair and the problems that come with that.
The most important thing is to stay warm. However you decide to do it, that’s what matters. You need to find what works for you and make sure that your family is comfortable. Living in a warmer house is better for everyone’s temperament, health and general productivity.