The winter in Denver can be bitterly cold, and it’s essential to take the necessary precautions to keep your home warm. There are lots of basic things you can do to help insulate your home and keep the heat in.
The Ideal Home Temperature
Most people feel comfortable at around 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit, but this can vary depending on your age, activity level, and health. The elderly or those with health conditions may need to keep their home warmer, usually around 71 degrees. If you have small children at home, you might want to keep the temperature about 72 degrees.
Sealing the Leaks and Covering the Windows
One of the most effortless ways to keep your home warm in the winter is to seal up any leaks and cover your windows. You can buy weatherstripping or caulk at most hardware stores, and it’s a relatively easy DIY project. Windows can be covered with plastic sheeting or heavy curtains to help keep the heat in.
Installing a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat is another easy way to help keep your home warm in the winter. You can set it to lower the home temperature to 68 degrees at night or when you’re away and raise it again when you’re home and need the heat.
Putting In New Windows
If you have older windows over 20 years, it might be time to replace them. New windows can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They also improve your home’s energy efficiency, which can save you money on your utility bills.
Fireplace Damper
Don’t forget to close the damper if you’re not using it if you have a fireplace. An open damper can let warm air out of your home and cold air in.
Heating System Maintenance
Be sure to keep your heating system serviced regularly. A well-maintained system will operate more efficiently and help keep your home warm.
Insulating the Attic
Make sure to insulate the attic well if you have one. Warm air rises, and if your attic isn’t insulated, the heat will escape, and your home will be colder. There are a variety of insulation products available at most hardware stores.
Taking Advantage of the Sun
Since we live in Denver, CO, we are lucky enough to get a lot of sun during the winter months. During the day, open up the curtains until 3 pm, and let the sunshine in. The sun will help warm your home naturally.
Upgrade the Boiler
The boiler is liable for heating the water in your home. If it’s more than 14 years old, it might be time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient model. A new boiler will help save you money on your energy bills and keep your home warm in the winter.
Move the Sofa
If you have a large sofa or other furniture blocking the heat from your fireplace or heating vents, consider moving it. You want to ensure that the heat circulates throughout your home, and furniture can prevent that.
Add Some Rugs
Rugs can help keep your feet warm in the Denver winter and also help to keep the heat in your home. Be sure to choose rugs made of a material that will hold the heat, such as wool or cotton.
Replace the Furnace Filter
It’s important to replace the filter on your furnace regularly. A dirty filter can make your furnace work harder and use more energy. A new filter will help it run more efficiently and keep your home warm.
Duct Booster Fans
When you have a forced-air heating system, you might want to consider installing duct booster fans. These fans help move the heat from your furnace into your home more efficiently.
Reverse Ceiling Fans: Ever Heard of It?
Most of us think of ceiling fans to keep cool in the summer months. However, ceiling fans can also help keep your home warm in the winter. Just reverse the direction of the blades, and they will help push the warm air down from the ceiling.
Radiant Floor Heating
A Radiant floor heating system heats the home from the ground. It’s a more efficient way to heat your home, and it can be especially helpful in rooms with high ceilings.
Installing a Door Sweep
If you have a drafty door, you can install a door sweep to help keep the heat in. A door sweep is a piece of rubber or metal that attaches to the bottom of your door and seals it against the threshold.
Wrap the Pipes, So They Don’t Freeze
If you have exposed pipes in your home, be sure to wrap them, so they don’t freeze in the winter. Frozen pipes burst and cause significant water damage. You can buy pipe insulation at most hardware stores.
Insulate the Garage Door
If you have an attached garage to the house, be sure to insulate the door. The garage is one of the most common places where heat escapes from your home. There are a variety of insulation products available at most hardware stores.
Check and Seal Cracks
Check around your windows, doors, and brickwork for any cracks or gaps that might let the heat escape. You can use a caulking gun to seal the cracks up. If you find any significant cracks, you might want to consider hiring a contractor In Denver to fix them.
Cover All Pet Doors
If you have a pet door, be sure to cover it in the winter. You don’t want all the heat from your home escaping through the pet door. There are a variety of covers available at most pet stores.
Install Storm Doors and Windows
Consider installing storm doors and windows if you don’t already have them. Storm doors and windows help keep the cold air out and the warm air in. They can also help to reduce your energy bills.
Fill the Floor Boards
If you have a lot of gaps between your floorboards, you might want to consider filling them. The gaps can let the heat escape from your home. You can buy floorboard filler at most hardware stores.
Get a Humidifier
Dry air can make a home feel colder in the winter. A humidifier can help add some moisture to the air and make it feel warmer.
Place a Shelf Above the Radiator
If you have a radiator heating system, you can place a shelf above it to help radiate the heat. The shelf will help to distribute the heat more evenly throughout the room.
