Leaky ductwork is one of the most common reasons that older homes have a hard time staying warm during the winter. Many of them also struggle with efficient heating because they have cracks in the foundation, drafty window frames, and gaps around their plumbing penetrations. Fortunately, just because you live in an older home doesn’t mean you have to freeze all winter or run the furnace around the clock. Keep reading to learn creative ways to keep your older home warm without sending your energy bills through the roof.
Keep All of Your Windows Locked
You, of course, want to keep all of your windows closed during the winter to prevent the cold outdoor air from coming inside and the furnace’s warm air from escaping. But in addition to keeping the windows closed, they should also remain locked at all times. If they aren’t locked, they won’t have as tight of a seal, which can leave small gaps around the frame where cold air will sneak in.
Install Floor-Length Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains are specially designed to keep warm air inside a house. When you install ones that run all the way to the floor, this makes a big difference in reducing heat loss through your windows. Just be sure to use hook-and-loop tape to seal the fabric edges to the wall. In doing so, you make it even harder for cold drafts to find their way inside because the tape traps a layer of insulating air between the curtain and the window.
Use Your Ceiling Fans Strategically
Ceiling fans can potentially reduce heating costs by up to 10%. More importantly, the fans make it simple to keep your rooms more comfortable, but the blades have to rotate in a clockwise motion and at a low speed. This creates an updraft that draws heat upward at the center of the fan and gently circulates the warmth gathered near the ceiling back down into the room.
Roll Out Thick, Plush Area Rugs
It’s much easier to keep spaces with hardwood or tile flooring warm if you lay down thick, plush area rugs to trap the ground-level coldness from radiating into the room. When you’re shopping for rugs, look for ones that have a dense pile and thick padding underneath. These types of rugs generally provide the best insulation for staying warmer during the winter.
Install a Ductless Mini-Split
If certain parts of your home fail to stay warm despite your attempts to reduce heat loss, you can always install a ductless mini-split in those rooms. Each space will have its own indoor air handler, meaning you can heat the areas without affecting other parts of the house. Best of all, you won’t have to mess with major structural modifications to your home because there’s no need to install bulky ductwork to use a mini-split.
You don’t have to take on major home improvement projects to keep your home warm this winter. Using the creative approaches mentioned above is a great way to start your journey toward a cozier, more comfortable, energy-efficient house. If you live in Baton Rouge, LA or a surrounding area and need heating installation services, make your first call to HVAC Essentials.