Published November 16, 2022
A 5-step strategy to staying warm in your Des Moines home
Homeowners are understandably concerned about the growing cost of energy bills in light of the new energy price cap hike. Can you really warm up your house without turning on the heat at all?
How warm is warm, first of all? While you and your companion or partner may disagree on the thermostat, anything between 64 and 71 degrees Fahrenheit should be comfortable. The ideal temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are several ingenious alternatives to turning up the heat in a room, even if it can be very alluring to do so. In addition to having well-insulated walls and floors, there are additional ways to trick your way into a warmer environment. Here are five easy steps to keeping your house warm while using less energy.
1. Adjust your furniture
A straightforward strategy to reduce your energy costs and maintain a warm environment in your home is to consider where your furniture is placed. Any furniture that blocks radiators or ducts will stop heat from spreading throughout the space; even a minor blockage will reduce the quantity of heat released.
Additionally, it is recommended that you relocate your furniture away from any outside walls during the winter. Try to keep furniture near internal walls since you'll feel the colder air more if you're seated against an external wall. As a result, you won't feel as compelled to switch on the heating.
2. Use a terracotta heater
A terracotta heater is a terrific energy-free way to stay warm. Up to three terracotta pots can be heated by just one candle thanks to the material's slow heating and good heat retention.
With just a few clay pots and candles, a terracotta warmer can be a terrific do-it-yourself alternative to turning on the heat.
3. Analyze any drafts
Many older homes with single-glazed windows and doors run the risk of letting in outside air and allowing heat to escape. Check the frames of each of your windows and doors to check if there are any gaps that would allow drafts to enter freely.
If there are significant drafts that are difficult to stop, it would be wise to invest in stronger doors with at least double glazing. If your budget does not allow for replacing doors and windows, or if you are renting and are not permitted to make significant changes, you should instead buy draft stoppers that can be used to cover holes in framework. However, this is not a long-term fix.
4. Consider your routines
The habit of turning on the heating as soon as the weather begins to fall is very widespread, but it can be expensive. If at all feasible, wait until later in the fall months to decide whether you actually need to turn on the heating.
If you do insist on using the heating, pay attention to the setting you choose. According to estimates, lowering the thermostat by just one degree can result in fuel bill savings of up to 10% while also using less energy.
5. Enjoy a Cup of Soup
In addition to warming your surroundings, you can also warm yourself within. On chilly days, choose hot foods like a cup of soup. And think about cooking your own homemade soup. Typically, soup takes a while to cook, and the heat from the boiling pot on the stove will heat the kitchen.
Conclusion
Whatever you do, however, it can't hurt to think outside of the box if you ever get tired of bundling up to stay warm. There are some simple things you can do to create a warmer environment within your Des Moines home without having to put out a lot of extra money. These ideas will help you save on energy costs while remaining warm in your home.
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