Putting your heating on full blast all the time is a fantastic way for you to keep your home nice and warm. With that said, you probably don’t want to be dealing with sky-high utility bills all the time. If you want a solid workaround then all you have to do is take a look below.
Programmable Thermostat
One of the first things that you should try and invest in would be a programmable thermostat. If you can do this then you will find it easier to adjust your settings based on what you use and need. If you live in a part of the country where temperatures drop in winter then you may want to make sure that you create a home environment that is soothing and inviting. This could be a good way for you to try and deal with any harsh weather conditions and it also allows you to create a nice and cozy space that benefits you. While you’re upgrading your heating, then now could be a good time for you to invest in a water heater. This is a great way for you to lower your energy bills and you would be surprised at how much of a difference it could make to your home.
Invest in the Right Bedding
You also need to make sure that you invest in the right bedding. Many people spend less time in bed than they would like. With that said, it’s a good idea to invest in bedding that gives you a good night’s sleep, especially during the winter. If you want to help yourself here then it could be worth experimenting with a different range of comforters, throws, and more. This is a great way for you to make sure that you are getting the best result out of your sleep needs. Focusing on sheets is also important. High-quality sheets make a huge difference to your sleep and they also last for a very long time. Consider flannel if you feel as though you get cold at night, but other than this, cotton sheets should be the way to go. Make sure that they have a nice high thread count if you would like to get the best result overall.
Choose the Right Lighting
The natural light that you love in the warmer months isn’t usually around as much in the winter. This is especially the case when you look at how short the days can be. If you want to help yourself here then you need to try and incorporate warmer shades of lighting into your space. You also need to create a cozy glow that emits across the entire room. Candles are a great addition during the winter, not to mention that they add a lot of brightness and comfort. Scents can add a layer of comfort too when you feel as though the weather is harsh. Young kids or pets may not be safe around candles and such, however, and for this reason, you may want to invest in ones that are battery-operated instead.
Throw Blankets
Throw blankets are a very good accessory that you can use to add a lot of texture to your living space. Not only are they a source of warmth but they can also be used to add a lot of colour. Your living room is a great place for you to add a throw blanket, and if you have a home library or a study then you can simply drape one over a chair to make it more cosy overall.
Carpet
Did you know that your home can lose up to 20% of its heat through the floor? This is especially the case if your home is not insulated. If you want to do something about this then it could be a good idea for you to install some carpet over your flooring. This is a good way for you to stop heat from escaping beneath the home. If you don’t want to deal with a carpet installation then putting down a rug instead may help you here. This is a good way for you to get that warm and fuzzy feeling without worrying too much.
Tune-up
A programmable thermostat will only go so far if you do not have a working heating system. The cold weather sets in sometimes, so it is a good idea for you to have your heating system inspected. You need to have this done by a reputable HVAC system if you can. You can also attempt to do it yourself if you have the right skills. If possible, you need to make a point of replacing your air filter so you can keep your system working as efficiently as possible.
Weatherproof
You also need to take the time to weatherproof your doors and windows. Your doors and windows are a good place for warm air to escape. They can also let a lot of cold air in as well and this is the last thing you need. If you can, you need to weatherproof your doors and windows ahead of the winter season if possible, as this will make a major difference to you overall. Use foam, vinyl, or even rubber weather stripping if you can as this will insulate the areas where the cracks are letting cold air in. You may also find that it is easier for you to replace your door sweeps or thresholds as this will again stop you from letting too much heat out of your home.
Invest in Space Heaters
Space heaters are a very good addition if you have a draughty room. With that said, they can be a fire hazard. If you buy a space heater then you need to buy one that has an automatic shutoff function. You should also try and find one that shuts off if it topples itself over automatically. If you can do this then you will soon find that it is easier for you to get the result you need.
Make Good Use of your Fire
There is nothing quite like the warmth and glow of having a fire. It is a great way for you to boost your comfort on even the coldest of days. Whether you have a wood-burning stove or a gas one, you have to make sure that you do not leave them unattended. If you can, getting a fireplace screen is also a good idea. This is the best way for you to reduce the risk of injury after you have lit the fire. Having your fire cleaned regularly is a good idea too. If you have an open fire then get your chimney swept and inspected regularly too. This is a good way for you to ensure proper venting, and it also stops you from experiencing fire damage so be sure to keep that in mind.
Paint your Home
Another thing you can do to try and make your home feel warmer would be for you to give it a fresh lick of paint. The best thing about painting your room is that it gives you the chance to not only make it look nicer, but it is also a good way for you to make it feel cozier. When you paint your home, you can make the room feel brighter and warmer and this is a great way for you to get the overall result you are going for. Of course, if you want to get the best result then you need to try and make sure that you are going for colors such as beige or cream. Incorporating neutrals is always a good thing to do but if you want to make things feel a little bolder then one thing you can try and do is mix it up a bit by putting in a feature wall. When you have a feature wall, you will soon find that you can draw attention to one part of your space without having to worry about your home feeling too small.
Focus on the Small Things
Believe it or not, sometimes it’s the small things that end up making the biggest difference. If you want your home to feel nice and cozy then consider taking the time to add in some new lamps, cushions, and other cozy elements. When you do, you will soon notice that there is a huge improvement to your home and that it is very easy for you to get the result you want. If you want to step things up to the next level then it is also wise for you to try and add different types of metal. Gold for example is a very good way for you to make the room feel warmer, and it is much more effective than you having to go and replace everything around your home. If you can keep this in mind then you are bound to notice a huge difference, and you may even find that it is a good way for you to save.