Winter is coming, and homeowners all over the US are preparing for the cold months ahead. However, keeping our homes warm can be costly, and it has been estimated that if all Americans kept their homes as warm and cozy as possible all winter, energy bills are estimated to skyrocket to approximately $1 billion. Moreover, conventional ways of heating a home can have a negative impact on our environment. However, there are ways to keep your house warm all throughout winter without harming the environment. Even better, these heating methods don’t cost much at all. Here are 5 eco-friendly ways to keep your home warm this winter.
Install a bio-ethanol fireplace in your home
A wood burning fireplace can contribute to indoor air pollution. It can also cause health problems as according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the smoke from wood burning contains microscopic particles that can cause respiratory problems such as bronchitis. But installing a bio-ethanol fireplace in your home will enable you to keep your home warm without the harmful fumes or suffocating smoke—all you need is bio-ethanol fluid to feed the fire. It burns cleaner than other fuels and its only byproducts are water and carbon dioxide.
Use draft stoppers
Cold air can seep into your home through the gaps under your door and windows, so use draft stoppers to keep the cold out of your house. You can buy draft stoppers, but you can also make your own stoppers by taking some fabric and sewing it into a tube. Next, fill it with dried popcorn and sew it shut.
Replace your curtains
Your lace curtains are not going to keep the cold out. Instead, hang up curtains made of a thick material to keep your house warm. You can purchase some curtains with a thermal lining, but if you don’t want to spend a lot of money, you can line your old fabric curtains with some inexpensive fabric.
Put down plush area rugs or carpets
Having a plush area rug on the floor can keep heat from escaping through your floorboards. Plus, it’s a great way to stay warm and comfortable during the winter.
Insulate your windows
You can use bubble wrap or tin foil to insulate your windows. Both materials may not contribute much to your décor, but insulating your windows can keep your home warm for just a few dollars.
As the days get colder, it makes sense to find ways to keep your house warm and cozy without spending a lot or harming the environment. Follow these tips and enjoy the warmth of your home this winter.