This week, the rest of the country is counting itself lucky when they hear about the critically low temperatures sweeping through the Midwest. With 0 degrees as the high in many areas and wind chills pulling the temperature into negative territory, many of us who live here are relying heavily on the heating systems in our homes to get us through the winter. For many, the heating system won’t be enough. Take this chance to implement a few of these tips to help increase comfort and keep the heating system running smoothly during this cold spell.
Increasing Comfort and Heat in the Home
- Change the Filter: Making sure that your furnace has a clean filter is an easy way to prevent breakdowns and ensure adequate airflow through the system.
- Open the Vents: During the milder days of winter, many of us like to use the furnace a heat as few rooms as possible. We will close vents off and direct heat to only certain rooms. This decreases air flow into the system, and leaves certain rooms icy cold. Maximize comfort and efficiency and open these vents during these cold winter days.
- Bundle Up: If you normally wear a t-shirt and shorts around the house and crank up the heat for comfort, consider keeping the heat set where it is at and adding layers. An extra blanket during the night and slippers during the day will do wonder for your comfort level without placing added strain on your heating system.
- Open and Close the Drapes or Blinds: The sun is a natural and free source for heat even during the winter months. Rather than closing your blinds of curtains during the day, keep them open and let the sun’s heat pour in. However, you must remember to close these blinds during the night’s hours to prevent heat loss during the coldest times of the day.
- Cook Hot Meals: A hot home cooked meal warms the soul and your home. Using the oven during these cold winter days will generate more heat in the home, and eating warm food keeps your body temperature warmer as well!
Keep Warm When the Weather is at Its Worst!
These simple tips will cost you little to nothing to implement in your home, and they could be just what you and your family need to keep warm when the weather is at its worst.
