With the dead of winter upon us, and nothing we can do about the falling temperatures outside, let's focus on the inside of our home. Specifically, what we can do to keep our home's interior cozy and warm. Here are four ways to ensure that your home will be safe and warm all winter.
4 Ways To Keep Your Home Warm This Winter
1. Insulate Your Attic / Loft Space
Hot air rises, which makes the roof of your house the area which loses the most heat. If you’re spending your hard-earned money on fuel to heat your home then you'll want to make sure that this heat stays inside where you can benefit from it. Having an insulated attic space will help you save money on your energy bill, since heat rises and without insulation your heat will escape, literally throwing your money out the window. Additionally, insulation helps to keep a barrier between your home and water vapor, which can damage your home significantly.
2. Check Your Windows
Drafty windows are another source of heat loss in your home, and if you own an older home that hasn't had it's windows or doors updated in years, you could be suffering from unnecessarily high heating (and cooling!) bills. Make sure your windows are well insulated, and if you have wood windows, check the glazing: If there are chunks missing or if you have loose window panes, now's the time to reglaze.
Another common cause of heat loss through your windows is through gaps. Gaps can form when windows sag, rot or shift in their position and can cause nasty drafts. If you have double hung windows, apply weatherstripping along the top sash. Then lock your windows and run your hands around the edges of your windows to feel for any gaps. If you find any, fill with gap filler or a temporary caulk.
Hot air rises, which makes the roof of your house the area which loses the most heat. If you’re spending your hard-earned money on fuel to heat your home then you'll want to make sure that this heat stays inside where you can benefit from it. Having an insulated attic space will help you save money on your energy bill, since heat rises and without insulation your heat will escape, literally throwing your money out the window. Additionally, insulation helps to keep a barrier between your home and water vapor, which can damage your home significantly.
2. Check Your Windows
Drafty windows are another source of heat loss in your home, and if you own an older home that hasn't had it's windows or doors updated in years, you could be suffering from unnecessarily high heating (and cooling!) bills. Make sure your windows are well insulated, and if you have wood windows, check the glazing: If there are chunks missing or if you have loose window panes, now's the time to reglaze.
Another common cause of heat loss through your windows is through gaps. Gaps can form when windows sag, rot or shift in their position and can cause nasty drafts. If you have double hung windows, apply weatherstripping along the top sash. Then lock your windows and run your hands around the edges of your windows to feel for any gaps. If you find any, fill with gap filler or a temporary caulk.
  Red Devil Glazing Compound, amazon.com |
  Thermwell Woodtone Caulk Rope, amazon.com |
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3. Bleed Your Radiators
If your radiator is only partially hot (say, cold at the top but warm at the bottom), then air may be trapped inside. Trapped air can accumulate in your radiators, floating to the top and stopping the hot water from rising. The best resolution is to bleed your radiators. Bleeding your radiator may sound like a complicated process but it’s actually quite easy. Using a radiator key, simply open up the valve until you hear the air hissing out and when you begin to see droplets of water close it up again. Remember: the water in your radiator is VERY hot, so take caution when bleeding them.
If your radiator is only partially hot (say, cold at the top but warm at the bottom), then air may be trapped inside. Trapped air can accumulate in your radiators, floating to the top and stopping the hot water from rising. The best resolution is to bleed your radiators. Bleeding your radiator may sound like a complicated process but it’s actually quite easy. Using a radiator key, simply open up the valve until you hear the air hissing out and when you begin to see droplets of water close it up again. Remember: the water in your radiator is VERY hot, so take caution when bleeding them.
  Mudder Multi-functional Utility Key Kit, amazon.com |
  Toymis Set of 6 Radiator Valve Keys, amazon.com |
4. Service Your Boiler
Winter is the worst time for your boiler to decide to conk out as no one wants to be left without heat or hot water when it’s frigid outside. To ensure that your boiler is working safely and efficiently, be sure to have it serviced annually by a licensed HVAC tech. During the service, the technician will go through routine maintenance of your boiler, including inspecting and cleaning the heat exchanger and condensation system, as well as all of it's wiring. Having your tech identify any issues now could save you money on costlier repairs (or a whole new boiler) later.
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