As the temperature starts to drop, your first instinct might be to head for the thermostat to crank up the heat. While this makes your home more comfortable, it also makes your energy bills skyrocket.

The good news is that there are lots of ways to keep your home warm without turning up the heater. Here are our some tips for insulating your home this winter!

#1 Install heavy drapes over windows.

To keep winter air from coming in through your windows, consider installing heavy drapes. (It’s even better if the curtains have a thermal backing.) The curtains will block cold air from circulating throughout the room by trapping it against the windows.

#2 Use the sun to your advantage.

After your drapes are installed, it’s important to use them to their fullest potential. On sunny days, keep the curtains open so that the sun warms the interior of the home. On overcast days and at night, keep the curtains tightly closed. This way, you maximize the light and warmth of the sunlight coming into your home.

#3 Move furniture away from radiators.

If your home has radiators, it’s important to make sure they have enough space around them. That’s because furniture placed in front of the radiators will prevent the heat from dissipating throughout the room.

#4 Check your furnace filter.

In order for your furnace to work properly, your HVAC system’s filter needs to be clear. When it’s clogged with dirt, dust, and hair, warm air can’t flow through it freely. You should aim to replace your filter once every six months, and check it before winter hits.

#5 Put a rug (or two) down.

Tiled and wood floors can feel freezing underneath your feet. To fix this, put a few rugs down on the cold floors; they’ll trap heat.

#6 Use weatherstripping or insulating film.

To seal off any annoying drafts coming in through your windows, try self-stick rubber weatherstripping. Also consider window insulation film (a temporary film applied with double-stick tape). These are both cheap and easy ways to somewhat increase the insulation of your windows.

#7 Close doors to rooms you’re not in.

Are there any rooms in your home you use less than others? If they are, keep the doors to those rooms closed, so they don’t take valuable heat from the more frequently used rooms.

#8 Use a draft snake.

If there are drafts coming in through your windowsill or under your doors, try a draft snake. This long fabric tube blocks the air. It’s especially helpful if you have an older home with large gaps between the doors and the floor.

#9 Close up the chimney.

Don’t let heat be lost through your fireplace. Consider using a chimney balloon: it inflates to block escaping heat and incoming cold air.

#10 Use a weather seal on doors.

Windows aren’t the only place where heat escapes and cold air enters. To prevent air leakage around doors, use adhesive weather seals around the top and sides of exterior doors. This helps create a tight seal that better insulates the doors.

#11 Consider storm windows and doors.

Storm windows and doors are an excellent option to protect windows and doors from the elements, increase insulation, and make your home more comfortable. They save energy and money.

#12 Repair or replace your windows.

Windows that are in bad shape or broken should be repaired or replaced before cold weather truly sets in. Also, you might consider replacing your windows for a more energy-efficient model, particularly if they are old or single-pane. New, energy-efficient windows—which are much more insulating—can make your home significantly more comfortable and save you money on your energy bills.

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If you have any questions or are interested in professional window repair or replacement, we’d be glad to talk with you!

Our local, family-owned and -operated business has been helping Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky homeowners with their commercial glass, auto glass, glass shower and window needs for more than 70 years. Contact us today at our Elsmere, Covington, or Dry Ridge locations.