Use Your Fireplace Correctly
Nothing says warm and cozy like snuggling next to a roaring fire. A traditional open box, wood-burning fireplace draws air from inside the home and can make the room with the fireplace feel drafty. You can prevent this draft by closing off surrounding doors. Before you use your wood-burning fireplace for the winter it’s a smart idea to have a professional chimney sweeper clean the inside and inspect the exterior of the chimney for cracks or damage. Do this once a year.
Design a Warm and Cozy Bedroom
Although most experts agree that a bedroom kept on the cool side is easier to sleep in, we also know that it’s not comfortable to have an icy cold bedroom in the winter. Make sure your bedding is appropriate for winter by having flannel sheets, down-filled comforters, and extra blankets. There are plenty of heating products, heating blankets, and even heated mattress pads on the market. An old-fashioned heated water bottle can also help, especially when trying to warm cold feet. If getting out of bed is too chilly in the mornings, add a cozy throw rug on the floor.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
In the winter, try reversing the direction of your ceiling fans. The fan blades will push the hot air downwards and help keep the heat lower. This is especially important in rooms with high ceilings. How can you know if your fan is spinning in reverse? When you look up your blades should be moving in a clockwise fashion.
Seal Drafty Door and Windows
Cold air can easily rush through leaks in windows and doors, instantly chilling a room. If your windows and doors have cracked seals, you can purchase new ones or hire a professional to replace them. For a quick and simple fix, you can place a heavy towel underneath doors (like the door that enters the cold garage) or use a poly weatherstrip.
Hang Heavy Drapery
The old idea of switching out your drapery and curtains for the winter still makes sense today. Window panes, especially older ones, allow heat to be lost through the glass, making a cold room feel even colder. If you have drapes or curtains, purchase a thicker material for the winter months and be sure to close them at night.
Use Rugs for a Warm Floor
Rugs, both carpeting and area rugs, are much warmer on our feet compared to hard surfaces like tile or wood. Traditionally, rugs were laid down in the winter months and stored in the summer months to help make a room feel warmer. Bedrooms can get a huge boost of warmth by having a rug next to the bed, so can bathrooms, kitchens or living rooms.
