How to Keep Your Home Comfortable All Year Without Breaking the Bank
The aesthetic quality of your property counts for a lot, but if your home isn’t also a comfortable temperature, then it’s unlikely that you’ll be too happy when you’re at home. After all, it’s hard to enjoy being anywhere when you’re too hot or too cold, and it’s even worse when it’s in a space that should be the place where you feel most relaxed.
The good news is that improving your home’s temperature — and comfort levels — is often a lot more straightforward than people think. By making a few adjustments, you’ll find that your home is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which in turn should make it easier to enjoy the seasons to the fullest.
Load Up On the Right Fabrics
Having the right linens in your home really can make a world of difference, especially during the winter months. Something as simple as a thick blanket can be the difference between spending a slightly chilly night on the couch and being snug and warm. You can pick them up cheaply, and you’ll use them virtually every day during the coldest part of the year, making them extremely good value for money.
You can take the same approach for summer, too, particularly with your bedsheets. Many people find it difficult to sleep without something on top of them, but find themselves too hot under their usual duvet. Buying a light, breathable bed set can help you to stay at the right temperature when you’re in bed.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
The HVAC system is often the unsung hero when it comes to staying comfortable at home. With that said, it’s important to remember that not all HVAC systems are equally functional. If your system has been in place for more years than you can remember, then it’s entirely possible that it’s not working as efficiently as it used to — and that might just mean that the temperature at your property isn’t as comfortable as it could be. A good HVAC company can provide the upgrade you need to keep your home cool during summer and warm during the winter months.
An upgrade can help to save you money, too, since modern systems tend to be much more energy-efficient than older systems, resulting in lower energy bills.
Upgrade Your Windows
Upgrading the home’s windows remains something of an underrated home improvement. It offers a lot of advantages, including boosting the appearance of your home and letting in more natural light. Those two benefits alone can make it worthwhile exploring the option, but if you need an additional reason, then the impact that it can have on your home’s temperature could be it.
Modern windows block cold air and keep warm inside your home during the winter months, and can reflect heat away from your property during those hot summer days. If you live in a home that receives a lot of direct sunlight, then you can also consider adding a window tint that filters the sun’s UV rays — they’re great for keeping your home cooler and for protecting your furniture from sun damage.
Seal Up The Home
Homeowners often go to great lengths to keep their home at a pleasant temperature, yet in many cases, they also accidentally make it more difficult to achieve their goal. That typically happens because the house isn’t sealed up as well as it could be, and that can let both cold and hot air enter the property, depending on the season.
Good insulation is vital for maintaining a pleasant home temperature. Draft excluders, window stripping, and simply keeping windows/doors closed all make a big difference. Many people open up their windows during the hottest part of a summer’s day in a bid to make it cooler, but this usually has the opposite effect, since it allows the hot air to enter the property.
Cook Smart
How you cook can impact your temperature in multiple ways. First, the type of meals you prepare can influence your body’s temperature. If you’re looking for an easy — and delicious way — to warm yourself up during winter, then there aren’t too many better ways than eating home-made chili. A light and tasty salad, on the other hand, is perfect for summer.
As well as what you eat, think about how you do it. Cooking inside during the summer months can raise the temperature of your property. A better approach is to cook outside, which keeps your home’s temperature intact and is also just more fun. If you live in a place that has consistently sunny days during summer, then it can be worthwhile investing in an outdoor kitchen for this reason.
During the winter, those slowly cooked dishes — like the above-mentioned chili — can also keep your home warm. In addition, if you use your oven, then open the door once you’re finished. The remaining hot air has to go somewhere, so it may as well go into your home.
Add Humidifiers
Humidifiers are underrated. They’re affordable, and they offer plenty of benefits, including reducing congestion, boosting sleep, protecting furniture from moisture, and even improving the health of your plants.
They can also have a subtly positive impact on your home’s temperature by adding moisture to the air, which means hot air evaporates more slowly. They’re great for the winter months.
They also have value in the summer months, too, albeit in a slightly different way. Cool mist humidifiers gently spray cooled water particles around your home, making the space feel fresher and cooler.
Use Showers Strategically
Finally, perhaps the most cost-effective way to boost your temperature comfort levels while at home is to use showers strategically. Many of us automatically get into a hot shower, but that’s not going to help you too much on those hot summer days, since it’ll raise your body’s temperature. Learning the art of taking a cold shower can get your body to a much lower temperature, which will then linger with you for a while after you get out.
It’s Time for A Refresh
When you’re ready for a little home refresh … and let’s be honest, your home is ready, too — connect with Nest with the Nelsons Interior Design Studio for a free consult. We’re literally just a message away. Hope to connect with you soon!
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