How to Make Your Home Warmer
Drapes Can Make a Big Difference
On very cool mornings when I open the drapes in my rented townhouse apartment, I’m surprised by how cold it is between the drapery and the glass. The windows are mounted on very shallow dormers, and with the window frames up against the sides of the walls, mounting the drapery hardware outside of the insets seemed to be the best option. It’s amazing how much warmer the drapes make the upstairs rooms, and they’re like a blanket for the windows.
Consider investing in insulated drapery to make your home warmer this winter, but any type of drapery is better than none. I purchased simple woven panels from Wal-Mart, and each set was around $15.00. Besides blocking out the morning light, they do an excellent job of keeping my home warmer, and they were well worth the money. Take a look at my article on cheap drapery ideas to find out more about these particular drapes that greatly helped make my home feel warmer while adding designer appeal.
Stop the Drafts With Plastic Window Film
This is my first winter in my rented townhouse apartment, but I’m considering buying plastic window film to keep out the drafts. The windows are original to the building, and they’re not double or triple-pane, and they certainly aren’t energy efficient. While standing next to the closed windows I can feel cold drafts, and with the cold and breezy Chicago-area winters, plastic window film would be a wise investment. For a few dollars I’ll be able to stop drafts and make my home warmer without spending a lot of money. Check your local discount store, hardware store, or home improvement store to find plastic window film that will help make your home warmer during colder months.
Rugs Can Greatly Warm Cold Floors
The floors in slab homes are especially cold in the fall and winter, and although I don’t like wearing socks and shoes around the house, I wouldn’t go barefoot now. My kitchen floors actually felt icy before I bought my large throw rug. Now the floors feel much warmer, and I can get by wearing just socks instead of socks and shoes or slippers. The rug not only makes the floors much warmer, but it also adds color to the otherwise drab kitchen, and I consider it a good investment. It’s something I can take with me when I move out of my rented townhouse apartment, and it definitely makes my home feel warmer and much cozier.
Use Your Oven as Much as Possible
I have a gas oven, and the heat it emits lingers long after turning it off. During the summer I use the oven far less and grill outdoors instead, but I look forward to fall and winter when I can bake casseroles, roasts, and mouth-watering desserts. I prop open the oven door and make use of every bit of heat it provides.
To make your home warmer during fall and winter, make use of your oven as often as possible. Even if you don’t have a meal in mind, whip up a simple cake mix or bake a few potatoes. Meals baked in the oven are some of the easiest and tastiest meals you can make, and using the oven will serve two good purposes.
Let the Sun Shine In
I relish the sunshine during the long months of fall and winter, and I open up the blinds and drapes and let the sun shine in whenever possible. Take advantage of the warmth provided by the sunshine on the glass window panes, and open up your blinds and drapery during daylight hours. Sunshine is free, and it can make your home significantly warmer on the coldest days of the year.
