Using the furnace on a frequent basis isn’t that healthy, both for the environment and for your bills. Luckily, there are tons of ways you can stay warm inside without needing to turn on the furnace.
To succeed the most, you must not rely solely on one method. You need to simultaneously use at least 2 of them. Here is what you should do:
- Upgrade Your Windows and Doors
If you want to keep your home warm without a furnace, you have got to stop the draftiness first. This can be only done with proper windows and doors replacement. Old, cracked windows let cool breezes get inside while new ones insulate your home to that end that they can cut energy spending to 15%.
When choosing your new replacement windows and doors, look for Energy Star ratings. This means that it has been test and certified for high energy efficiency.
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- Insulate Everything
Insulation is very important for heat retain. The most important places are the attic and basement. However, you should also consider boosting insulation in other rooms. Good insulation will keep heated air inside during the winter and cool air during the summer. It’s amazing for reducing electrical spending without compromising comfort.
- Floors and Carpets
Heat also exists through the flooring. If you have loose hardwood or god forbid rough cement down there, consider replacing and upgrading the area. There are many types of floors on the market and all of them will keep you protected from draftiness.
To get out the maximum out of your flooring consider adding carpets and cork. These two retain heat and prevent it from existing your home through tiny cracks in the floor.
- Seal the Cracks
When already mentioned cracks, we cannot but think of basement waterproofing. Our basements are the most vulnerable to leaks and cracks. That’s why we should ensure that everything is properly fixed and sealed. Same goes for cracks in other rooms. If you notice that a part of your wall or floor is starting to break, immediately fix the area since as it evolves, it will become an entrance for cool winter breezes.
- Block Unused Rooms
This is a very useful tip. Blocking unused rooms will reduce your living area, keeping heat only in the rooms you want it to be. So how does one do this? After you decide that you don’t need to use a room for a long period of time, start blocking off vents. Afterwards just keep the doors locked at all times. You can also put rugs or towels beneath the door to prevent draftiness.
- Paint and Window Covers
The colors of your walls determine the amount of natural light and heat retain on the inside. Darker colors absorb light while brighter colors reflect it. If you want to retain heat, choose dark shades for your walls, floors and furniture.
Try to find darker window treatments as well. However, besides the color, window treatments must be thick and heavy if you want them to retain the most heat. Combine drapery and shades to succeed the most at keeping your home warm.