
5 Steps To Good Feng Shui in Your New Home
September 17, 2020
Countdown to Moving: 3 Steps to Get Prepared
September 30, 202010 Ways to Warm Up at Home Without Turning on the Heat

The Fall season is here and with it, cooler weather and even chillier nights. Not quite ready to turn on the heat? This article is full of tips for keeping your home warm before touching the thermostat.
This article comes from Good Housekeeping.
10 Ways to Warm Up at Home Without Turning on the Heat
To keep your heating bill in check while staying cozy and warm, try these clever ideas:
1. Close up any cracks in your window frame.
Even a tiny one can allow a ton of heat to escape — and chilly winds to come in. The best way is to use a flashlight or candle to check for drafts. At night, just have someone stand on the other side of your light source and if you can see it, you should caulk the area to seal the crack.
2. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan.
If you think your ceiling fan is just for hot, humid days, you’re wrong. By reversing the motor in the winter, so it’s clockwise, the fan creates an updraft that actually pushes warm air near the ceiling back down. This trick will help you feel warmer for longer, meaning you can lower your thermostat and save money (some reports say you could reduce your bill by 10%!).
3. Invest in the best blankets.
To stay warm while you sleep (but keep your heat down to save money) make sure your bedding is up to par. Down-filled blankets trap heat and a fill power of 600-plus (check the blanket’s label) is the warmest option. An electric blanket always does the trick, too – as long as you use it safely.
4. Make your curtains work harder.
When the sun is out keep your shades open so the warmth can shine onto the glass and create a slight warming effect on your home, but at night close ’em up to add extra insulation against the cold. You can also use blackout shades with a thermal lining to help save energy.
5. Use draft stoppers on your doors.
Don’t let cold air creep through the crack under your door like a stranger in the night. All you need to seal off the chilly breeze is a door stopper. The best part? You can DIY your own that’s super cute and complements your home decor.
6. Cover your floors with rugs.
Did you know heat can escape through floorboards? To prevent this, Sachs says to use rugs made of fabric that offers insulation, like wool, to help trap the heat inside. Plus, rugs feel nice and cozy on your feet.
7. Prevent drafts around electric outlets.
If you’ve ever noticed a slight chill when you go to plug in your smartphone, you’re not imagining it. To block that air out, pick up an outlet insulator from your local home improvement store. They’re basically foam sheets that you put behind the faceplate to block any cold temperatures.
8. Close off rooms you don’t use often.
If the only people who spend time in your guest bedroom are, well, guests, don’t spend money heating it all winter long — instead, close the vents and door ASAP. Sure, that room might be freezing when not in use, but at least you’re not wasting money heating it.
9. Install a programmable thermostat.
Most people think lowing your heat all the way when you’re not home, then raising it when you return will save energy, but the energy spent to make up for such drastic changes defeats the purpose of using the lower setting. But nifty programmable devices, like the Nest thermostat, help you heat your home more efficiently by lowering the temp just a few degrees when you’re not home.
Click here to continue reading this article.