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That first icy morning hits, and suddenly your cozy home feels draftier than you remembered. Before you reach for the thermostat, try these 6 simple tweaks that can help keep the chill out and the savings in.
1. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Yes, ceiling fans are helpful in the winter too! Change the blades so they spin clockwise. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling and helps rooms feel cozier without adjusting the thermostat.
2. Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes can lead to costly damage. To help prevent this:
- Let faucets drip slightly during especially cold nights.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
- Wrap exposed pipes with insulation foam from the hardware store.
3. Use Curtains to Your Advantage
Keep blinds or curtains open on sunny days to let in natural heat, then close them at night to trap warmth inside. It’s like free solar power for your room.
Keep blinds or curtains open on sunny days to let in natural heat, then close them at night to trap warmth inside. It’s like free solar power for your room.
4. Seal Out Drafts
Tiny gaps around doors and windows can let cold air sneak in and warm air escape. Weatherstripping or even a simple draft stopper can make a noticeable difference. A rolled-up towel against the bottom of a drafty door works in a pinch, too.
Tiny gaps around doors and windows can let cold air sneak in and warm air escape. Weatherstripping or even a simple draft stopper can make a noticeable difference. A rolled-up towel against the bottom of a drafty door works in a pinch, too.
5. Keep Your Heating System Happy
A dirty air filter makes your system work harder (and your bills higher). Replace filters every 1–3 months during winter for better efficiency. A quick check now could save you from an inconvenient breakdown later.
A dirty air filter makes your system work harder (and your bills higher). Replace filters every 1–3 months during winter for better efficiency. A quick check now could save you from an inconvenient breakdown later.
6. Embrace Cozy Layers
Sometimes the simplest fix is the most effective: layer up with sweaters, slippers, and throw blankets. Lowering your thermostat by just one or two degrees while dressing warmer can add up to big savings over the winter.
Sometimes the simplest fix is the most effective: layer up with sweaters, slippers, and throw blankets. Lowering your thermostat by just one or two degrees while dressing warmer can add up to big savings over the winter.
A few simple tweaks can keep the chill out, save you money, and help prevent those surprise winter headaches. Stay warm, stay cozy, and enjoy your home this season. Your future self and your utility bill will be grateful you did.