When snow smothers the ground and the temperature drops below zero, we don’t really want to be spending too much time outside. What we really want is to stay home and enjoy its warm and cozy atmosphere. To make your home even more comfortable during the cold season — and since you are going to be cooped up anyways — you might want to give some cool home improvement projects a try. Here is how you can upgrade your home for winter months without breaking the bank.
1. Carpet Your Floors
When it’s chilling outside the window, we instinctively want everything to be warm on this side of the wall. While your radiators are up to the task of maintaining a comfortable ambient temperature, not all parts of your home may feel warm enough. If you don’t have underfloor heating, walking on bare floors can freeze your feet even through thick socks. Your hardwood floors look amazing, there is no doubt about that, but they are a little chilly for winter.
A solution as simple as laying a carpet can save your feet from overcooling. What could be better than immersing your toes in a fluffy soft pile? If you’re a little bored in winter, choosing a carpet that perfectly fits into your interior is a nice little adventure.
2. Install a Combi Boiler
If you don’t have a combi boiler yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. These devices carry out two tasks at once — they keep your house warm and provide hot water. What’s even better, they heat water instantly as it runs through pipes. No need to install large water tanks and wait till a heater makes water usable for the shower. You just turn on the tab and enjoy endless hot water supply. A combi boiler is more beneficial than a traditional boiler in so many ways: it takes less room, it’s energy-efficient, and it works faster. What else can you wish for?
3. Invest in a Faux Fireplace
Imagine a picture — you sit next to a fireplace, logs crackle in the fire, you enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine…a real idyllic winter moment. Unfortunately, a fireplace is a luxury for most homeowners. Building and maintaining a real fireplace will cost you an arm and a leg. However, if you view fireplaces as home décor rather than a source of heat, a faux fireplace will become a worthy addition to your interiors. The simplest option is an electric device displaying a realistic flame. It won’t warm you up, but it will definitely cheer you up. And if you don’t mind doing a little handwork, you can build a surround from bricks or logs for less than $ 100.
4. Try a Smart Thermostat
Tired of fiddling with the thermostat? You can’t deny that it would be great if the ambient temperature could self-adjust without your intervention. Well, your wishes may come true with a smart thermostat. These devices offer an intuitive interface and many features to make your home more energy efficient and comfortable. Very intelligent thermostats even learn to understand your climate preferences and automatically adjust the temperature before you know it.
5. Seal Up Cracks
Sealing may not sound particularly exciting because it doesn’t provide any decorative value. However, you’ll be excited to learn that it’s able to reduce your energy costs by 15%. Having 15% more money in your pocket gives you even more opportunities to improve your home. It’s definitely worth taking a couple of hours of your time to walk around the house, search for sources of air leaks, and caulk cracks. Your home surely feels cozier when the cold wind doesn’t blow through windows and doors. And if you’re ready to tackle a more challenging task, you might want to consider insulating your attic.
