7 Ways to Keep Your Home Warm

Fall just arrived, but the cooler air is arriving quickly.  That means that before we know it, Winter will be here in full force and if you are anything like me, you like to do what you can to keep your home warm without cranking up your furnace.

Here are 7 ways that you can keep your home warm without a huge investment.

1. Weather Stripping.  You can buy weather stripping at your nearest big box store for just a couple of bucks.  Install the stripping around doors and windows to prevent loss of air, which not only keeps your home warmer, but also keeps your heating costs down.
2. Drapes.  Make a small investment in some thick drapes to keep over your windows.  These drapes will help to keep the cold air out and the warm air in.  It’s okay to open them on warm, sunny days to help bring extra warmth in.  Do keep them closed in the colder parts of the day and at night.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat.  Installing a programmable thermostat is perhaps the most efficient way to keep your home warm without spending too much!  It has been recommended that you set your thermostat at 60 degrees at night and when you are away from the house and 68 when you are home for maximum efficiency and comfort.
4. Turn on that ceiling fan.  It may seem counter intuitive, but turning on your ceiling fan actually does keep it warmer in your house (especially if you have high ceilings).  Just be sure to turn the fan onto its reverse settings, so that the heat is pushed down into the room as opposed to trapping it on the ceiling.
5. Close doors.  Be sure and close the doors to unused rooms.  If you have rooms in your home that aren’t used as often as others, be sure to keep the doors to them closed so that you are not unnecessarily heating them.
6. Bake.  Winter is a great time to get your bake on!  We all know that using your oven heats up your home (which is why we avoid baking during the Summer, am I right?).
7. Install Storm Windows or Plastic on your windows.  If your house doesn’t have storm windows, you can buy plastic covering and other alternatives for a relatively low price.  These insulation tools can help keep the warm air into your house.

Do you have any great tips to add to this list?