Guidance for Staying Warm and Comfortable in Winter

As winter’s chill lasts for yet another month, ensuring your home stays warm and cozy is an essential priority. Staying cozy indoors when the temperature plummets outside doesn’t have to be such a struggle. With the following effective strategies, you can maintain warmth in winter, making your living space a pleasant retreat from winter’s chill.

Utilize the Sun’s Light and Heat

Maximizing natural light is an efficient and simple way to stay warm in winter. Start by opening your curtains as soon as the sun appears. This permits light to stream in, naturally warming the room. Arranging furniture adjacent to the windows helps maximize this warmth. In south- or west-facing rooms that are recipients of the most sunlight, consider 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 close your window coverings after dark to insulate the glass against the chilly night air. For enhanced insulation, use thermal curtains or cellular shades designed to avoid heat loss. By leveraging the sun’s energy this way, you can improve home comfort and minimize reliance on your furnace.

Avoid Heat Loss

Trapping warm air inside is the key to staying warm in winter. Your efforts should start by inspecting your residence for drafts, especially around windows and doors. Put weather stripping or caulking on any gaps or cracks you find to help avoid heat loss.

Think about replacing old 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 in the budget, hang heavy, insulating curtains or install insulating window film to counteract drafts.

Next, evaluate the insulation level in your attic. Since heat rises, this is a common location for heat loss to happen. Installing an extra layer of insulation prevents warm air from getting away. While you’re at it, check your home’s ductwork, as leaks here can result in significant heat loss.

Make Sure Your Heating System Is in Top Shape

Regular furnace maintenance is vital for efficient operation and longevity, especially during an intense cold snap. Fortunately, you can do numerous things to help your furnace operate dependably all winter.

First, change the air filter frequently. A clean filter enhances airflow and efficiency while decreasing the strain on your furnace. Make it a habit to examine the filter monthly and replace it when it looks dirty or every three months, whichever comes first.

It’s also crucial to keep the area surrounding your heating system free. Eliminate any clutter to ensure proper air circulation and stop fire risks. And speaking of air circulation, keep all your return and supply vents unblocked and uncovered. It’s tempting to seal vents in unused rooms, but this disrupts the return/supply air balance and may cause your heating system to overheat.

Then, hire a heating specialist to examine and clean your furnace every year. This skilled service person can handle any minor matters before they become significant problems, minimizing the risk of a mid-season breakdown. You can also ask for individualized advice to help your system function at peak efficiency. Moreover, think about having your ductwork professionally sealed and insulated. This reduces heat loss and enhances heating system efficiency.

Adopt Smart Thermostat Technology

If you still have an old manual thermostat, think about upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better 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 remotely using a smartphone app. Many models can even be modified with your preferred home automation voice assistant, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Learning thermostats handle the tasks, calculating your schedule, tracking when you’re home or away and modifying the heat accordingly. This ensures a warm, comfortable residence with the lowest energy bills possible.

Another benefit of smart thermostats is their ability to furnish detailed energy usage reports. These insights assist you in understanding your heating routines and identify opportunities to save. Automatic filter change reminders are also helpful in reminding you about this crucial maintenance responsibility.

Be Warm and Cozy in Edmonton with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

The staff at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help you enjoy a pleasant and snug home during the cold months in Edmonton. Our certified technicians offer fast, enduring solutions, from preventive maintenance and emergency repairs to complete HVAC installations and replacements. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can be confident that Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning won’t mark the job complete until you’re satisfied with the results.

For proficient assistance that matches our name, call 587-404-0790 today!