Ways to Warm a House Without Turning Up the Heat

Heating a home during the coolest months of the year can cost a considerable amount of money. It helps to warm the house without turning up the heat whenever possible. Appliances that already produce warmth can be used to their fullest potential. Before moving into a well insulated home with good windows, I had to use creative ways to warm my rented house without turning up the heat. Whether your home is warm and secure or cold and drafty, use these practical ideas, and save money while heating your home.

Use the Oven More Often

During the winter months when my rented house was cold and breezy, I used the oven almost daily. The natural gas that was used to heat the oven was not free, but I had to cook or purchase prepared food anyway. I was able to warm the house without turning up the heat. I also saved money by preparing hot meals in my drafty home instead of purchasing restaurant food.

Keep the Oven Door Open After Use

Some people close the oven door right after the food comes out. When trying to warm the house without turning up the heat, leave the door open to let the warmth escape into the room. The oven can make a noticeable difference when trying to warm the home without turning up the heat, especially when using it on a regular basis during the coldest weeks of the year.

Use a Humidifier to Make the House Feel Warmer

Another fantastic way to make the house feel warmer without turning the heat up is with moisture. When moisture is in the air, the temperature can be lowered without sacrificing comfort. Consider investing in a humidifier. If you are able to make the house feel warmer without turning up the heat, you might even be able to turn the thermostat down a few degrees. The humidifier will eventually pay for itself.

Open Window Treatments to Take Advantage of Natural Light and Heat

When trying to make a house feel warmer without turning up the heat, open window treatments during daylight hours. Take advantage of the sunshine and the natural heat that radiates through the glass. If necessary, seal the windows with plastic. The sun will still shine in and add real heat as well as visual warmth to the room.

Source: Personal Experience with Heating and Cooling a Poorly Insulated House