In freezing temperatures, keeping your home warm is your number one priority, ideally with the right blinds North Vancouver. But it’s even more important to do so in a way that doesn’t send your electricity bills through the roof or result in way too much energy use. There are numerous ways to ensure minimal heat loss during winter and minimal cold loss during summer. There are simple ways, and there are ways that require significantly more funds and effort.
Let’s take a look at all the ways you can prevent heat loss in your home.
Invest in Good Insulation
Insulation is key in a warm home. It’s the best way to reduce your energy bills and ensure your home is warm and more comfortable. Why is insulation so important? Because warm air mainly escapes from places like the roof, walls, the floor, windows and doors. This puts a lot of energy that can go to good use, to waste. Good insulation is top priority when ensuring a comfortable and warm home during winter, and a cool and breathable home during summer.
Update Your Windows
If your windows are old, outdated, damaged or just plain drafty, it’s time to change them. A significant portion of your home’s temperature escapes through the windows. Whether they’re broken or just too old to function properly, it’s important that you put forth your efforts and funds into replacing them.
Dress Your Windows
Another source for heat to escape from is a window that isn’t properly dressed. When your windows don’t have quality blinds, shutters or drapes installed, your HVAC system will have to work overtime to make up for the heat loss. Well-made window treatments like the ones we offer at Home Makeover Centre are the best available on the market, crafted with the utmost care and designed to insulate your home, trapping temperatures before they have a chance to escape or enter your home. This is a great way to stop drafts that come from cold, exposed glass. It seals in the cold air and stops it from seeping out from the edges.
Arrange Furniture Away from Cold Walls
The areas around the exterior walls of your home are usually the coldest and draftiest. A great way to minimize this is by keeping seating areas and other furniture you use to relax, away from those walls. This way, you can relax and enjoy your downtime in a warm place that is more centred, rather than closest to the outside. You can also utilize thermal-lined drapes for even more insulation, or keep your bedroom full of fabric furniture. This will add softness and warmth, especially if you have large or drafty windows in your bedroom.
Drought-Proof Doors
Doors are notorious for being drafty. A useful tip is to use draught-proofing strips between doors and their frames, on the inside and the outside. This will fill the gaps and ensure that heat escapes and no cold air comes into your home.
Incorporate Rugs
Rugs add an unmistakable warmth and coziness to any room. If you have a naturally colder home and hardwood flooring or tile, adding a rug will greatly contribute to the overall insulation of your space. It will insulate your feet from the cold floors, as well as make it more warm and comfortable for toddlers and pets. A great investment is a wool rug as it’s naturally incredibly warm and insulating. You can also enjoy other rugs that have a dense weave and a thick insulating later for luxurious, beautiful comfort year-round. What’s more, you can roll it up and store it away during summer so your entire family can enjoy cold floors during the hottest months of the year.
Let in Light
While sunlight during certain times of the day or year can be harmful to your furniture or even the temperature inside your house, during other parts of the year it’s incredibly beneficial. For example, during summertime when the sun is at its strongest, its harmful UV rays can actually damage your flooring, furniture electronics and even art. During winter, however, opening your blinds when the sun is shining will warm up your home and fill it with natural light. Since it’s not as hot or strong during winter, it’s the perfect time to make the most out of the sunlight in your house. This will also heat your home without needing to turn on your HVAC system.
Keep Sliding Glass Doors Covered
It’s notoriously difficult to dress sliding glass doors, but they’re an infamous contributor to heat loss. Patio doors and French doors also let out heat. While you might love having the extra view to your backyard, during the cold winter months, it pays to stay warm and dress your windows in a beautiful, thick and draping fabric.
On the market for some insulating blinds North Vancouver? Get in touch with us to learn more about what we offer and find your perfect fit.
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