Strategies for Keeping Warm and Comfortable in Winter

As winter’s chill lasts for yet another month, keeping your home warm is a top priority. Staying cozy within your residence when the temperature plummets outside doesn’t have to be such a struggle. With the following helpful tips, you can maintain warmth in winter, making your home a welcoming retreat from winter’s chill.

Utilize the Sun’s Light and Heat

Optimizing natural light is an efficient and straightforward way to stay warm during the colder months. Begin by opening your curtains as soon as the sun comes up. This permits light to stream in, naturally warming the room. Placing furniture adjacent to the windows helps optimize this warmth. In south- or west-facing rooms that receive the most sunlight, think about laying a dark-colored rug on the floor to absorb heat and slowly let it back into the room, even after the sun goes down.

Then, remember to shut your window coverings after dark to insulate the glass against the cool night air. For even better insulation, use thermal curtains or cellular shades designed to stop heat loss. By leveraging the sun’s energy in doing this, you can improve home comfort and reduce reliance on your heater.

Prevent Heat Loss

Keeping warm air inside is the key to staying warm during the colder months. Begin by checking your house for drafts, especially around windows and doors. Apply weather stripping or caulking to any gaps or cracks you locate to help avoid heat loss.

An effective strategy is replacing outdated single-pane windows with up-to-date double-pane versions, which insulate with a pocket of air between the panes. If this upgrade isn’t within your budget, hang heavy, insulating curtains or install insulating window film to combat drafts.

Next, evaluate the insulation level in your attic. Since heat rises, this is a common location for heat loss to happen. Installing additional insulation stops warm air from getting away. Additionally, inspect your home’s ductwork, as leaks here can result in substantial heat loss.

Tune Up Your Furnace

Consistent furnace maintenance is essential for efficient operation and longevity, especially during a demanding cold snap. Luckily, you can do numerous things to help your furnace operate dependably all winter.

First, replace the air filter on a regular basis. A clean filter boosts airflow and efficiency while decreasing the strain on your HVAC system. Get into the habit of where you inspect the filter monthly and replace it when it appears dirty or every three months, whichever comes first.

It’s also crucial to keep the area near your heating system free. Clear any clutter to ensure proper air circulation and prevent fire risks. And speaking of air circulation, keep all your return and supply vents unblocked and clear. It’s tempting to close vents in rooms not being used, but this throws off the return/supply air balance and may cause your heating system to overheat.

Then, employ a professional to inspect and clean your furnace annually. This professional can deal with any lesser issues before they become major problems, lowering the risk of a mid-season breakdown. You can also ask for customized tips to help your system operate efficiently. In addition, consider having your ductwork professionally sealed and insulated. This minimizes heat loss and enhances heating system efficiency.

Embrace Smart Thermostat Technology

If you still possess an old manual thermostat, think about upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for improved temperature control and energy savings. A programmable thermostat allows you to schedule your desired temperature at different times of the day and days of the week according to your schedule and comfort preferences.

A smart thermostat extends this capability by letting you monitor and control the temperature virtually using a smartphone app. Many models can even be controlled with your preferred home automation voice assistant, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Learning thermostats do all the work for you, calculating your schedule, tracking when you’re home or away and modifying the heat accordingly. This ensures a warm, comfortable house with the lowest energy bills possible.

Another positive aspect of smart thermostats is their ability to furnish comprehensive energy usage reports. These insights help you in understanding your heating habits and spot opportunities to save. Automatic filter change alerts are also helpful in reminding you about this important maintenance responsibility.

Keep Warm and Cozy in Edmonton with Rob's Albertan Service Experts

The crew at Rob's Albertan Service Experts is here to help you enjoy a cozy and inviting home all winter long in Edmonton. Our certified technicians deliver swift, enduring fixes, from preventive maintenance and emergency repairs to thorough HVAC installations and replacements. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can be confident that Rob's Albertan Service Experts won’t deem the job complete until you’re satisfied with the results.

For expert service that meets our name, call 780-800-9047 today!