Although the weather has been a bit weird this month in the Northern Virginia Area, Winter is here. We already had our first snow of the year and the days that followed were icy cold. It might be a little bit complicated trying to figure out when it will be in the 20s and when will it go back up to the 60s. The dramatic changes in weather can cause for a high energy bill. Thankfully, there are other ways to keep your house warm during this tricky winter.
Central Heating: Time is money! Set timers on your central heating. We recommend that you set the temperature to warm up 30 mins before you wake up so the house can be warm by the time you get up, instead of turning your heat on high the minute you wake up.
Windows: For those days when the sun is shining bright, keep your curtains open to allow the heat to come in. At night or during the colder days keep your windows closed and dress up your windows in flannel or wool curtains.
Drafts: Cold weather can creep inside your home if there are drafts! Check your windows and doors for drafts. An easy way to plug the draft is by cutting a pool noodle in half and wrapping it in fabric.
Chimney: Do you have a fireplace or stove? Be sure to keep your fireplace damper closed. If a fire is not burning and your damper is open, that costly warm air can go right up the chimney.
Floor: Rugs are not only for decorative purposes! Floors can account for as much a 10 percent of heat loss. So, add rugs to your floors for an extra layer of insulation!
Oven: If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen! The kitchen is the warmest room in your house. After you are done baking, just leave the door open or cracked, to allow some of the heat into your house!
Radiator Panels: You can install radiator panels to ensure that the heat from your radiator warms up the room instead of the walls. The panels will reflect the heat back into the room.
We hope these tips can help to keep your home warm during the winter! And if you are ready to remodel your home give MidAtlantic Contracting a call!