5 Ways to Stay Warm in Your Home

The spring and summer are hovering above Highland Park, Illinois, with one last winter cloud blocking the sun from shining down. Whether it’s to save a few last extra energy dollars this winter or to prepare yourself for the next, here are five ways you can stay warm in your home without putting added strain on the heating system.

Use the Window Treatments to Your Advantage

Using whatever light the winter does stream through its dark cloud is one way of gaining a little more heat in your home without cranking up the thermostat. To take advantage of those rays, open all of your window treatments during the day. For insulated protection at night, when you should close all the curtains to avoid losing heat, invest in a wool or thermal curtain.

Turn on the Ceilings Fans in the Right Direction

Clockwise or counterclockwise – well, which one is it? It’s easy to forget which way your ceiling fans should rotate during the winter and summer. During the winter, your ceilings should rotate in a clockwise direction. This draws room air toward the ceiling, forcing warm air down and out toward the walls to minimize the wind chill effect.

Bake Instead of Cooking on the Stovetop

The summers are all about barbecues, and the winters should be all about baking. When you’re done baking your delicious dish, open the oven door and let all that residual heat pour into your home and around the dinner table.

Invest in an Energy-Efficient Humidifier

The right humidity level in your home can make it feel cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. That’s what makes an energy-efficient humidifier a smart investment for year-round benefit. During the winter, increase the humidity to at least more than 60 percent for added heat.

Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat

Another worthwhile investment that puts more money in your pockets throughout the year is a programmable thermostat. This popular piece of HVAC equipment helps homeowners take more control over the temperature in their homes, conserve energy and cut costs.

For more information about how to survive the winter efficiently, or if you’re in need of maintenance on your air conditioner before the summer arrives, read on to learn about how zoning helps you save money or contact Carefree Comfort, Inc. at 847-388-0115.