We’re well into winter and the weather has reflected that. From occasional snow and temperatures that dip below freezing, it’s the coldest time of the year. It can be difficult to keep warm especially if you’re running errands or traveling to and from work. Entering our homes after being in the cold is such an inviting and cozy feeling.
Our homes are our safe place and we want them to be warm during the winter months. Running the heat all winter long can be pricey, but there are some other ways you can keep your home warmer without hiking up your energy bills. Keep reading to learn how to keep your home warmer this winter.
1. Improve Insulation
Keeping our homes warmer in the winter starts with insulation. Here’s a quick refresher on how insulation works: it slows down convective and conductive heat to move warm air to cooler areas in the home. If you notice some rooms in your home are colder than others it’s probably because of poor insulation. Poor insulation makes it difficult for warm air to move throughout your home and increases energy bills. It can even affect your home’s gutter system allowing heat to escape the home, melting snow and ice that results in ice dams.
There are many reputable insulation companies in the St. Louis area, so be sure to contact one if you notice ice dams in your gutters or if your home has a hard time retaining heat.
2. Let the Sun in
It’s no secret that sunlight can warm up a home which is why we often keep our blinds drawn during the summer months to keep our homes from feeling like a sauna. Opening the blinds and curtains in the winter months will allow sunlight to naturally warm up your home, helping you decrease your energy bills. Sunlight is also proven to improve moods, so it’s truly a win-win!
3. Fix Drafty Windows & Doors
Our homes should be warm and inviting places to escape the cold, not a replica of the outdoor temperatures. If some rooms in your home are cooler than others and your insulation is in good shape then you most likely have drafty windows/doors. Drafty windows and doors allow warm air to escape and frigid air to enter and increase electricity bills.
Checking for drafts is easy – all you need is a lit candle and a breeze outdoors. Hold the candle safely and very close to the window and door – if you notice the flame flickering then you have a drafty window or door that needs to be fixed. To fix drafty windows, apply caulk to any gaps and cracks. For doors, fix or replace weatherstripping. Fixing drafty windows and doors will keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
4. Close the Drapes in the Evening
When the sun is shining we want our drapes open to naturally warm up our homes, however, they should be closed in the evening when the sun goes down. If you do have drafty windows then heat can escape as previously mentioned, allowing cool winter air to enter your home. Our lows can dip below freezing and the last thing you want is to let that air in. Simply closing your drapes in the evening will create a barrier to prevent the cool air that does enter through drafty windows from entering your home.
5. Clean the Gutter System
While the St. Louis region doesn’t get snow as often as other parts of the country, we do get ice storms and some snowfalls throughout the winter months. When you have a half-round gutter system installed on your home, the inside of the gutter is completely exposed, allowing snow and ice to easily collect inside the gutter system. When you combine the weight of heavy snow and ice with other debris in the gutters like leaves and pine needles, meltwater is unable to move through the gutters and into the downspouts. Ice dams will eventually form, reducing the effectiveness of your home’s insulation by blocking airflow.
Cleaning your half-round gutter system is a chore that should be done at least two times per year, more if your home is surrounded by trees. Cleaning your gutter system before winter arrives will help meltwater move through the system more freely without debris blocking the gutters and downspouts. Unless you’re comfortable using a ladder, it’s best to hire a professional gutter cleaning service to avoid serious injury.
Our homes should be an escape from the outdoors and a warm shelter to keep us comfortable. By following the tips above your home will be much warmer and you should see a decrease in your energy bills.
As previously mentioned, failing to clean your gutter system can result in clogged gutters and ice dams, reducing the effectiveness of your home’s insulation. Stop having to worry about clogged gutters forever by installing the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System, a complete gutter system that eliminates clogs. Our curved hood blocks all debris from entering the gutter system, allowing it to simply slide off and only allowing water to enter the gutters through a narrow opening.
Traditional sectional gutter systems, gutter screens, and filters don’t prevent ice dams from forming. Snow and ice can still enter the gutter system, resulting in the possibility for ice dams to form. All of this is eliminated when you install the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System.
We offer free in-home estimates that include a detailed analysis of your current gutter system along with estimated costs for installing your K-Guard Gutter System. K-Guard proudly offers our gutter installation service to homeowners in St. Louis and surrounding areas including, but not limited to, the following locations: