Diseases spread faster in colder climates. For example, the flu is more common in the winter because of the virus that causes it survives better in lower temperatures. Additionally, the cold could sabotage people’s immune systems. It can do this by making it harder for the body to fight off infections.
That’s why it’s essential to keep your home warm throughout the seasons, especially if you have young children or elderly family members living with you. Fortunately, there are ways to do this without breaking the bank.
Schedule an Energy Audit
The first step in making your home warmer is to find out where the heat is escaping. You can schedule an energy audit from your local utility company. They will send a professional to your home to assess how well insulated it is and whether there are any air leaks.
After the audit, you will receive a report with recommendations on how to make your home more energy-efficient. Some suggestions may be as simple as caulking around windows and doors or adding weatherstripping. Others may require more extensive work, such as replacing old windows or insulation.
Once you get the results, it’s time to work on your home.
Insulate Your Home’s Exterior
There’s a good chance that your home’s exterior isn’t properly insulated. This can let heat escape, making it harder to keep your home warm, no matter how high you turn up the thermostat. Here are various ways you can insulate your home’s exterior parts:
Utilize Insulation Systems
There are various insulation systems you can use when it comes to the external parts of your home. External wall insulation systems often come with a render or cladding finish, which can enhance the look of your property. It also comes with a thermal barrier, preventing heat from escaping.
You can also consider using an attic insulation system. This will help keep the heat in your attic and upper portions of your home.
If you’re not sure which system to choose, you can always consult with a professional. They will be able to assess your home and recommend the best option for you.
Use Natural Barriers
Natural barriers can be installed outside your home to ensure it’s safe from the cold. Certain barriers such as trees, shrubs, and hedges, can act as a windbreak. This will help reduce the amount of heat lost through your walls and windows.
It’s important to note that not all trees and shrubs are suitable for this purpose. You’ll need to choose ones native to your area and with a dense growth pattern.
Plant them in strategic locations around your home, such as in front of windows and doors. You should also make sure they’re properly maintained so they can continue to provide adequate protection.
Invest in Double-Glazed Windows
One of the biggest culprits of heat loss is single-pane windows. They’re not very effective at keeping the heat in, especially when there’s a draft. That’s why it’s worth investing in double-glazed windows.
These windows have two layers of glass with a space in between. This creates a thermal barrier that prevents heat from escaping. They’re also much better at blocking out noise and drafts.
If you can’t afford to replace all of your windows, you can always add double-glazing to your existing ones. This is an affordable option that will still make a big difference.
Install Storm Doors
Another way to keep the heat in and the cold out is to install storm doors. These are designed to fit your existing door and provide an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Storm doors usually have a glass panel that you can open to let in natural light. They also have a screen to keep the door open for ventilation without letting insects inside.
When choosing a storm door, get one that’s the right size for your door. You should also look for one with energy-efficient features, such as Low-E glass and weatherstripping.
Install Smart Devices
Nowadays, you can use various smart devices to make your home more energy-efficient. These can help you save money on your heating and cooling bills while also making your home more comfortable.
One example is a Nest thermostat. This device can learn your temperature preferences and automatically adjust the settings to keep you comfortable. It also has an auto-away feature that will turn off the heat when you’re not home.
Another helpful device is a smart window opener. This will open and close your windows based on the weather outside. For example, it will close the windows when it’s raining or windy.
These are just some of the many smart devices available. There are also plenty of apps that can help you save energy and money. Do some research to find the right ones for your needs.
These are just some ways to make your home warmer throughout the seasons. Taking these steps can help reduce your family’s risk of getting sick and save money on your energy bills.
