By Debra S. GarveyPosted on 2022-06-23 Do you find yourself shivering at home, even though you have the heat cranked up? If so, you’re not alone. The high cost of heating your home can leave you feeling frustrated and chilly. But there are some things you can do to make your home more comfortable without turning up the heat. Get a thermostat that you can program– A programmable thermostat can save you money by automatically turning down the heat when you don’t need it, such as when you’re away from home or asleep. Let in some sunlight– During the daytime, open your curtains and blinds to let in the sun. The sun’s natural heat will help warm up your home. It’s also a good idea to open up any drapes or curtains at night to let the heat escape. Use indoor fans– Believe it or not, using a fan can actually help make your home warmer. By circulating the air in your home, a fan helps distribute the heat more evenly. Just be sure to point the fan towards the ceiling so it pushes the warm air down. Seal up any drafts– Drafty windows and doors are one of the biggest culprits of heat loss in homes. To keep the heat in and the cold out, make sure to seal up any gaps around your windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping. It’s also a good idea to add a door sweep to the bottom of your doors. Insulate your home– Adding insulation to your walls and attic is one of the best ways to keep your home warm. By trapping the heat inside, insulation will help make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. The type of insulation you need and the amount you need will depend on your home’s specific needs. Use space heaters wisely– Space heaters can be a great way to add extra warmth to a cold room. But it’s important to use them wisely. First, make sure that the heater is placed on a level surface and away from any flammable materials. Second, don’t leave the space heater on unattended. And finally, make sure to turn off the space heater when you leave the room or go to bed. Reverse your ceiling fans– Ceiling fans are not just for summertime cooling. In fact, reversing your ceiling fan blades can actually help circulate the warm air in your home and make it feel more comfortable. Layer your clothing– Wearing layers of clothing is a great way to stay warm without turning up the heat. That’s because the air trapped between the layers of clothing helps insulate your body and keep you warm. Drink hot beverages– Drinking hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate can also help you stay warm. That’s because when you drink a hot beverage, your body temperature rises and you feel warmer as a result. Schedule a furnace tune-up– One of the best things you can do to keep your home warm is to make sure your furnace is running efficiently. That’s why it’s a good idea to schedule furnace maintenance in St. George or wherever you are located each year. During a tune-up, a technician will clean and inspect your furnace and make any necessary repairs. This will help prolong the life of your furnace and ensure that it’s running as efficiently as possible. Home and Garden