While our winters aren’t as drastic in the Palmetto area, nights can still drop to 57 degrees. Therefore, there’s still times we need to stay warm this winter and conserve energy. Best part is that you’ll save money as well.

Stay Warm This Winter

Check your air filters. Something that’s easily forgotten is the air filter in your furnace. It’s even surprising to some that you have to change air filters. However, be sure to check, clean, or change your filters monthly. It will improve your air quality, keep your heating costs down, and extend the life of your heating system. In a nutshell, your heating system will work more efficiently.

Use the sun to your advantage. Even in the cold, we usually have sun in Florida. Great advantage! So, use this to your advantage and open the blinds and curtains. It not only brings in the sun’s warmth but it brightens up the house at the same time. However, don’t forget to close the blinds at night – you’ll lose too much heat if you don’t.

Cover bare floors. While wood and tile floors are beautiful to look at, they are cold to walk on in the winter months. Therefore, take a look at whether adding scatter rugs on the floor would add to the warmth of your home.

Cover up. Though it’s such a simple thing to do, sometimes we forget the obvious. Especially, this can help when you’re just a few degrees colder than usual. Warmer clothing makes a big difference.

Eat warmer foods. This is a great time for soups, chili, hot coffee, tea, and cocoa. Surprisingly, just a hot beverage can sometimes warm you up on a colder winter’s day.

Check for leaks. Also, check for air leaks around doors and windows. Additionally, check for leaks in attics, kitchen, and bathroom vents. Keep in mind that insulation can make a world of difference. Where else can you look for leaks? Check your recessed lighting, skylights, furnace flues, holes for wiring, and doors to attics.

Finally, there’s times when you just need to move. Perhaps, your home is simply too drafty (which will get you in the summer as well). Contact me and I can show you homes in the area that might fit your needs.