In the colder months, it's important to make sure your home is prepared to keep out the chill. Keeping your house warm in freezing temperatures, or if you live in colder climates such as in North America, not only keeps you and your family comfortable but can also help reduce energy bills and prevent damage to your home. 

There are several ways to keep your home warm during the winter, including sealing up drafts, insulating your home, and using heating sources wisely. In this post, we'll cover these and many other tips (for all budgets) to help you stay warm and toasty all winter long.

How to keep your house warm in freezing temperatures

Keeping your house warm in freezing temperatures is essential for maintaining comfort and is essential for your health and well-being. There are several strategies you can use to achieve this no matter what your financial situation.  If you have money to invest then it can be a smart move to invest in a better-insulated house for the winter months or if you live in a cold climate.  If you don’t have money to invest, then there are many ways you can be smarter about your energy use to stay warm and ensure your bills are not higher than they need to be.  

Below, we will explore the following options to keep your home warm in more detail:

• How to seal up drafts to keep your home warm

• Why using a smart thermometer is a smart move for a warmer house

• The benefits of insulating your home to stay warm

• Why PVC doors and windows can make a difference

• How to use different heating sources effectively and efficiently

• Trap in the heat with curtains and blinds

• More quick tips to keep your home warm in freezing temperatures and cold climates

Seal up drafts

One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your house warm in freezing temperatures is to seal up drafts around doors and windows. Drafts can allow cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape, making it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. 

To seal up drafts, you can use weatherstripping or draft stoppers. Weatherstripping is a flexible material that is applied around doors and windows to seal gaps and prevent air leakage. Draft stoppers are placed at the bottom of doors to block drafts from entering through the gap underneath.

Sealing up drafts has several benefits. In addition to keeping your home warm, it can also help reduce energy bills and improve indoor air quality by preventing outside air from entering your home. It's a simple and cost-effective way to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.

Use a smart thermometer

Once you switch to a smart thermometer, you won't need to worry about turning the heating up and down at specific times. It will be warm when you get out of bed in the morning, plus when you arrive back from work at night.  A smart thermometer is a device that allows you to control and monitor the temperature of your home remotely using a smartphone app or voice commands.

By using a smart thermometer, you can set the temperature of your home to a comfortable level when you are home and lower it when you are away. This can help you save on energy costs while still keeping your home warm.

You can also use a smart thermometer to monitor the temperature of different rooms in your home and adjust the heating accordingly if you are able to set up different heating zones for the rooms in your home. For example, if you have a room that is consistently warmer or cooler than the rest of your home, you can adjust the temperature to better balance the temperature throughout your home and stop paying to heat rooms you don’t use or that are naturally warm already.

In addition to helping you save on energy costs, a smart thermometer can also improve the comfort of your home by allowing you to easily adjust the temperature to your preference.

By using a smart thermometer, you can easily control and monitor the temperature of your home and save on energy costs while still keeping your home warm. It's a convenient and efficient way to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.

Insulate your home

Insulating your home is another important step in keeping it warm during cold weather. Insulation is a material that is used to prevent heat loss or gain in buildings. It works by trapping air or another gas inside its fibres, which slows the transfer of heat. There are several types of insulation, including fibreglass, foam, and mineral wool. Each type has its own benefits and is best suited for different applications.

Properly insulating your home has several benefits. It can help improve energy efficiency by preventing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. This can result in lower energy bills and a more comfortable home. Insulation can also reduce noise pollution and improve indoor air quality by preventing drafts and outside air from entering your home.

When insulating your home, it's important to consider the type of insulation that is best suited for your needs, as well as the location and R-value (a measure of thermal resistance) of the insulation. A professional contractor can help you determine the best type and amount of insulation for your home. By insulating your home properly, you can keep it warm and comfortable all winter long.

You should also check out any local government schemes and grants for home insulation.  Sometimes older homes can benefit from free insulation or money towards other energy upgrades as part of government energy grants and schemes to improve energy efficiency in homes. 

Consider PVC windows and doors

Windows and doors are important components of your home's insulation system, and choosing the right ones can make a big difference in keeping your home warm in freezing temperatures. When choosing which materials for your home, vinyl and PVC windows and doors are a good option because they are energy efficient and can help reduce drafts. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, and it is a type of plastic that is commonly used in windows and doors. It is known for its durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency.

PVC windows and doors are energy efficient because they are designed to prevent heat loss and reduce air leakage. They have a tight seal and are filled with insulating gas, which helps to keep the heat in and the cold out. PVC windows and doors can also block UV rays, which can help reduce heat gain in the summer and prevent fading of furniture and carpets.

Not only can PVC windows and doors be a cheaper option than materials like wood and aluminium, but they can look a lot better too. Vinyl will also last an extremely long time, so if you look after them properly, it could be 20 years before you need new ones.

In addition to windows and doors, patio doors can also be a useful feature in keeping your home warm in freezing temperatures. Patio doors allow natural light to enter your home, which can help reduce the need for artificial light and save on energy costs. They can also be opened to let in fresh air when the weather is mild, which can help improve indoor air quality. When choosing replacement patio doors, look for ones that are energy efficient and have a tight seal to help keep the heat in and the cold out.

By considering PVC windows and doors, you can improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home and reduce energy costs.

Use heating sources wisely

There are several heating sources that can be used to keep your home warm during the winter, including central heating, space heaters, and fireplaces.  Some people use one heating source, whereas others use a combination.  

For example, we have central heating throughout our home, a log burner in the main living area and underfloor heating in the ensuite.  To save on energy costs in the winter and due to the rising fuel costs, we avoid using the central heating in the winter as much as possible by turning it off altogether and instead use the log burner in the main living room as our main source of heat all winter.  

We bulk buy wood to get the best prices and keep an eye out for free wood in our local community, such as when our neighbours are chopping down trees or replacing fence posts.

We use a wood stove fan to push the hot air around the house faster and leave the doors open (aside from the porch door) to heat the whole house as much as possible from this heat source so we can avoid turning the central heating on.

We did install underfloor heating in our ensuite bathroom, but again, we try not to use this as the fuel prices have risen so much. Instead, we make sure to have a large fluffy bath mat on the floor for when we step out of the shower.  On particularly freezing days we will turn it on using the smart thermometer app that we installed with the underfloor heating to ensure it only comes on ready for when we have morning showers and promptly turns off afterwards.

Each heating source definitely has its own benefits and drawbacks, and it's important to choose the one that is best suited for your needs.  There are more heat sources we don’t use that could work well in your home such as space heaters

Here are some ideas for how to use your heating sources more efficiently:

• Central heating is often the most efficient way to heat your home, as it can evenly distribute heat throughout your home and be easily controlled with a thermostat. To use central heating efficiently, consider setting the thermostat to a lower temperature when you are not home and using a programmable thermostat to automate the temperature setting.

• Space heaters are portable heating units that can be used to heat a specific area or room. They are a good option for homes without central heating or for those looking to supplement their existing heating system. There are several types of space heaters, including electric, propane, and kerosene, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. To use a space heater efficiently, choose one that is the right size for the room you are heating and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.

• Fireplaces are traditional heating sources that can add warmth and ambience to a room. However, they can be inefficient if not used correctly. To use a fireplace efficiently, make sure to keep the damper closed when not in use to prevent heat loss and consider a wood stove fan (or two) to warm the room quicker.

By using your heating source wisely, you can keep your home warm and save on energy costs.

Trap in the heat with curtains and blinds

Curtains and blinds can be an effective way to keep heat in your home during the winter and improve your energy efficiency.

Heavy, insulated curtains are particularly effective at blocking drafts and trapping heat. They can be used on windows that receive direct sunlight to help prevent heat loss at night.

Blinds can also be used to keep heat in by closing them at night and when the sun is not shining directly on the windows.  You can purchase blinds backed with thermal and insulating materials for extra warmth.

By using these simple and affordable strategies, you can keep your home warm and cosy all winter long.

Grab £5 off a dotcomblinds order by clicking here!

More quick tips to keep your home warm in freezing climates

Here are an additional 10 quick tips for keeping a home warm in freezing temperatures:

1. Use window film insulation to insulate windows and prevent drafts.

2. Turn on ceiling fans to circulate warm air throughout your home (keep it on the lowest setting).

3. Utilise the natural heat from the sun by opening blinds and curtains on south-facing windows during the day.

4. Install draft stoppers on your chimney to prevent heat loss through the flue (if you don’t use the fireplace).

5. Use rugs and carpets to insulate floors and add warmth to your home.

6. Wear warm clothing to keep yourself warm, rather than relying on the heat to keep your home warm (wear thermal under layers and fluffy slippers indoors).

7. Utilise natural materials, such as wood and stone, to add warmth and insulation to your home.

8. Use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to add warmth to your bed.

9. Install a heat pump to efficiently heat and cool your home. Heat pumps work by transferring heat from the outside air or ground to the inside of your home, and they can be more energy efficient than traditional heating systems.

10. Use blankets and throw pillows to add warmth and insulation to your home. Placing blankets and using throw pillows on furniture can add an extra layer of insulation. 

You can also look into renewable energy as a way to reduce energy bills and potentially heat your home in a more cost-effective way in the long term.

The final say on how to keep your house warm in freezing temperatures and cold climates

In conclusion, there are several strategies you can use to keep your house warm in freezing temperatures. Sealing up drafts around doors and windows, insulating your home, and using heating sources wisely are all effective ways to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. By following these tips, you can stay warm and save on energy costs this winter. Additionally, consider PVC windows and doors and patio doors to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home.

If you're looking for more information on how to keep your house warm in freezing temperatures, there are many resources available online. You can also consult with a professional contractor or energy efficiency expert for personalised advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Don't let the cold weather keep you and your family from being comfortable in your home. Take action today to keep your home warm and cosy all winter long.

Before you go…

If you have a log burner then you’re going to need logs to stay warm.  In the UK?  Then check out our Lekto wood fuels discount code so you can save on any online orders.

Also, did you know the type of flooring you choose can make a difference in how warm your home is?  Here’s a look at how wood flooring can keep your home warmer and reduce your energy bills.

 

 

Want some great money-saving tips for everyday spending and saving?

Find some great deals on my voucher codes and 80+ ways to get free money pages!

Learn how to get free food and heavily discounted food.

Check out my list of UK apps that turn receipts into cash and also this list of UK cashback sites to maximise your free cashback and savings.

Find free cryptocurrency offers here and free shares offers here!

 

Subscribe to our newsletter for the best free money offers, money-making and money-saving tips we discover!