Heating Your Home for Winter
There are few things worse than a cold home in winter. Since your home can lose heat in a number of ways, it's important to take the necessary steps before and during the winter months to ensure maximum comfort. Here are some tips to keeping your home comfortably heated in winter.
New Fireplace
Are you finding that your fireplace isn't up to snuff when the temperatures dip well below zero degrees? It might be time to look into upgrading to something with better performance. Modern electric fireplaces and gas fireplaces are great options for heating a room, and with sleek and stylish designs, these fireplaces look great too!
Outlet insulation
Your power outlets on exterior walls could be a significant contributor to heat loss in the winter. Fortunately, there is a quick, easy and affordable solution. All you need is a socket sealer for each outlet. Not only will you stop wondering where the cold draft is coming from, but you will also enjoy energy savings.
Energy-efficient windows
New windows with double or triple-panes are excellent for preventing heat loss. Old windows become warped and damaged. Not to mention the fact that single-pane windows allow the cold temperatures outside to transfer quickly and easily through a single sheet of glass. Double or triple-pane windows slow this process and reduce the effect of the cold weather on the interior of your home.
Roof insulation
You might already know that hot air rises and, because of this, your roof is where much of the heat in your home will end up. If your roof is not properly insulated, it will allow this heat to escape. Trapping the heat in with quality insulation will help keep the rest of your home warm too.
Stop drafts
Inspect all of your windows, doors, vents, and similar possible locations for drafts. If you light a stick of incense, it will help you locate even a small draft. Just watch to see how the smoke from the stick moves. You might need to replace the weather-stripping on your door or you could need a new door if it has become severely warped over time. Storm doors can also help keep winter from severely affecting the temperatures in your home.
New furnace
If your furnace is relatively old, you could use an upgrade. Newer models are not only more effective, but they are also more efficient. Which means that you will enjoy the same or better heating results while saving on your energy bill. An HVAC contractor can also inspect the entire system for faults and drafts in order to increase efficiency further.
Heating controls
There are various devices that can be installed in order to control the temperature in your home. Devices with timers allow you to choose when your heating system turns on and when it should turn off. This is an excellent tool for keeping your home comfortable without excessive costs.
Fan the hot air
Hot air rises, which is why a fan can help. Ceiling fans or fans located higher up will help move the warm air around so that it warms the rest of the room and not just the area closest to the ceiling. You don't want to leave the fan on permanently but you can turn it on from time to time.
Variable speed heat pump
This is not something that most people are aware of. If you use a variable speed heat pump, it will help you maintain a consistent temperature in your home and you will also put less pressure on your heating system. This is because it will only work hard when it has to. In between, it will slow down to maintain the temperature rather than constantly working at the same level.
Window coverings
Some window coverings can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. That said, your south-facing windows can let some sun and heat in during the day. Which is why you should open these window coverings during the day and allow nature to help warm your home.
Ductwork inspection
Just like windows and doors, the ductwork in your home also needs to be professionally inspected and, if necessary, repairs need to be performed. Many homes lose heat this way and homeowners have no idea. Regular checks will help prevent unnecessary heat loss. While you're at it, you should have your heating system checked and tested before winter arrives.
Tin foil behind radiators
Many people apply aluminum foil to the wall behind their radiators. This is especially done when the radiator is located below a window. The foil should be placed with the shiny side facing the radiator. This will help reflect the heat back into the room rather than allowing it to escape.
Improve is Canada's largest home improvement centre and is home to over 350 home renovations showrooms that cover all aspects of the home. From kitchens and flooring to bathroom and furniture, you'll find it all at Improve. For more information about Canada's top contractors and suppliers to make your home cozy this winter, check out the Improve Canada directory at www.improvecanada.com
Featured Showrooms
- D'Angelo and Sons Roofing & Exteriors
- Triumph
- V+ Home
