Winter is the time of year when we all want to be cozy and comfortable indoors. Winter weather can be tough on our homes, causing energy bills to skyrocket and leaving us feeling cold and drafty.
But if your home isn’t adequately insulated, you may lose heat (and money!) through gaps in the walls, windows, and doors. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to improve your home’s insulation so you can stay warm all season long.
9 ways to insulate your home this winter
1. Check for air leaks.
One of the most important things you can do to improve your home’s insulation is to check for and seal any air leaks. Air leaks have been the leading cause of high energy bills for years, so ensuring your home is as airtight as possible is essential.
To check for air leaks, start by visually inspecting your home. Look for any cracks or gaps in the walls, windows, doors, and any other openings. If you find any, seal them with caulk, weatherstripping, or expansion foam.
2. Add more insulation.
If your home lacks insulation, now is the time to add some! There are a few different types of insulation, so you’ll want to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Types of Insulation for winter:
- Blanket insulation is the most common type of insulation and can be found in rolls or batts. It’s easy to install but measure the area carefully before cutting the insulation to size.
- Loose-fill insulation – This type of insulation is made of small pieces of fiber that can be blown into place. It’s great for hard-to-reach areas and can fill in gaps around outlets and other obstacles.
- Spray foam insulation – This type of insulation is sprayed as a liquid and then expands to fill the space. It’s great for hard-to-reach areas and can help seal air leaks. Spray foam insulation has been popular for homeowners in Europe and North America for several years. If you’re interested in opting for this type of insulation, iFoam provides top-quality spray foam insulation for residential and commercial applications.
3. Upgrade your windows.
If your windows are old or drafty, they may cost you money in wasted energy. Consider upgrading to new, energy-efficient windows. This investment will pay for itself in the long run by helping to keep your home more comfortable and saving you money on your energy bills.
Windows such as the Velux skylight are energy-efficient and stylish, letting in natural light and brightening up your home. Another example is the popular Marvin window, known for its durability and energy efficiency.
4. Install storm windows and doors.
Another great way to improve your home’s insulation is to install storm windows and doors. For example, storm doors can help keep out cold drafts, and storm windows add an extra layer of protection against the elements. These will help keep out breezes and cold air, making your home much more comfortable during winter.
5. Use window treatments wisely.
Window treatments can also play a role in insulating your home. Heavy curtains or blinds can help to keep out drafts, while light-colored treatments will reflect heat into the room. What you can do is, add a lining to the curtains, and this will help you reflect heat into the room as well.
6. Reverse your ceiling fan.
Most people don’t know that ceiling fans can be used to help heat your home in the winter. By reversing the direction of the blades, you can push warm air down from the ceiling and into the room. This is a great way to save on heating costs and keep your home more comfortable.
7. Bring in some plants.
Believe it or not, plants can help improve your home’s insulation! They release moisture into the air, which can help to regulate the temperature and keep things comfortable. Examples of plants are Aloe Vera, Snake Plant, and Boston Fern. You can put them in pots and place them around the house or even on the windowsills.
8. Get a chimney balloon.
A Chimney balloon is an inflatable device you put into your fireplace when it’s not in use. If you have a fireplace you don’t use often, you can seal it with a chimney balloon. This will help to keep out drafts and cold air, making your home more comfortable.
9. Make use of space heaters.
Space heaters are a great way to add extra warmth to your home without turning up the thermostat. Space heaters are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose one that best suits your needs. Just read the instructions carefully and never leave a space heater unattended.
Winter weather shouldn’t put a damper on your home comfort. Following these simple tips can make your home much more comfortable this winter. So why not start today? Your wallet (and your family!) will thank you.
