While it may feel like summer just started, the truth of the matter is that winter will be here before you know it, and it’s important to be prepared for the cold months ahead. One thing that is on everyone’s mind leading up to the winter months is how to keep their homes warm without making their utility bill skyrocket. Well, you’re in luck! In today’s post, we will discuss a few different ways you can ensure that your home stays warm so that you won’t have to freeze for the next three to four months.

Your windows are one area of your home you shouldn’t neglect, especially during the winter. If your windows are old or not properly sealed, they can cause drafts, making your home colder. Luckily, Sparkling Windows in Voorhees can help! We offer professional window cleaning services to help you prep for the winter, as well as expert assessments of your windows and advice on how to avoid drafts. Don’t wait until it’s too late — contact Sparkling Windows to schedule your window cleaning services today!

Use Your Curtains

Even if your windows aren’t drafty, they can still take away some of the warmth in your home during the winter. For this reason, we recommend making good use of your curtains. During the day, you can leave your curtains open on the side of your home where the sun shines through. However, at night and on the other sides of your house, the simple act of closing the curtains can actually help retain some of the warmth, especially if you have long fabric curtains.

Move Your Sofa

During the winter, it can be extremely nice to pull your couch or your favorite chair closer to the heating vent or the fireplace so that you can get all warm and cozy, but doing so could actually make the rest of your home colder. The fabric and stuffing within your couch or chair can absorb the heat, resulting in less of the heat entering the rest of your house. While there’s nothing wrong with pulling your seat closer to those areas for a short time, we recommend making sure that everything is put back once you’re done soaking up the heat. Moving these items away from the source of the heat can improve airflow and allow more areas of your home to warm up.

Eliminate Drafts

As mentioned earlier, the windows in your home can be a huge source of cold air during the winter, especially if they are not insulated or sealed properly. Cold drafts can not only make your home colder, but they can also increase your utility bill because your heater is working harder to compensate for the extra cold air. If you’re on a tight budget, the best ways to combat drafts for the winter are to use shrinking plastic or caulk. Shrinking plastic creates a barrier between the drafty window and the rest of your home, allowing more warm air to be trapped inside. Caulking, on the other hand, can help you seal up any cracks in your window frame that might be letting the cold air inside.

For more ideas on how to eliminate drafts, check out our previous blog post!

Add Layers to Your Wood Floors

While wooden and tile floors may be aesthetically pleasing, anyone who has stepped onto wooden floors with their bare feet during the winter can agree that they aren’t the most comfortable to walk around on when it’s cold outside. One option is to make sure you’re always wearing socks and/or slippers around the house, but that’s not always the most practical. Another option is to add layers to your wood or tile floors! Look into buying some nice rugs for the areas in your home where you spend the most time. These can be rugs that you have out all year or they can be seasonal rugs that you get to enjoy during the winter.

Bundle Up

At the end of the day, if you’re mostly worried about your heating bill going up, one thing you can do is try to keep the person warm instead of the entire house. What we mean by this is that instead of turning up your thermostat a few degrees every time the temperature outside gets lower, consider adding extra layers to your own body. Invest in fuzzy, cozy sweaters, thick socks, and warm blankets to keep you warm during the winter. Who doesn’t love cozy blankets and sweaters?

Prepare for Winter With Sparkling Windows

If you’re worried about the condition of your windows or you just want to make it easier to clean them in the spring, Sparkling Windows in Voorhees has got you covered. We offer high-quality window washing services and our experts have years of experience, giving them the knowledge necessary to assess your windows before the first winter storm. What are you waiting for? Reach out to Sparkling Windows today to schedule an appointment for your next window cleaning service.