As winter approaches, temperatures are dropping in Metro Detroit, making it essential for homeowners to find effective ways to keep their homes warm while also managing heating costs. Home improvement specialist Adam Helfman, who is the owner and founder of Hire It Done, shares practical and easy strategies that can be implemented quickly using items many people already have at home.
One of his initial recommendations focuses on the thermostat. Helfman suggests changing the fan setting from "auto" to "on." This adjustment means that the fan will operate continuously instead of cycling on and off, which can inadvertently strain the furnace. "When your furnace motor constantly turns on and off, it can lead to premature failure," he warns. By keeping the fan running, not only do you protect your furnace, but you also enhance energy efficiency.
Another tip involves ceiling fans, but not in the conventional manner one might assume. Helfman advises homeowners to set their ceiling fans to a low speed with the blades rotating counterclockwise. He explains, "The goal here is to push the warm air back down into the living space. Since heat naturally rises, we want to redirect it rather than let it linger up by the ceiling."
Windows and doors often allow heat to escape, so Helfman emphasizes the importance of closing blinds during colder months. This simple action provides an additional barrier between the warm air inside your home and the chilly glass, effectively adding insulation. "By closing the blinds, you create an extra layer that forces the heat to travel through the fabric before it even touches the cold glass," he notes.
For those concerned about plumbing, particularly pipes located under sinks on external walls, Helfman suggests opening cabinet doors. This allows warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, significantly reducing the likelihood of pipes freezing. In extremely cold conditions, he also recommends letting a thin stream of water—about the size of a pencil—trickle from faucets to keep water flowing through the pipes.
Drafts around exterior doors can be a significant source of heat loss as well. A simple and effective remedy is to use a towel at the base of the door. "By placing a towel against the threshold, you create a makeshift insulator that minimizes air leakage," Helfman explains. "This will either prevent cold air from coming in or at least slow it down."
Implementing these straightforward yet effective measures can help maintain warmth within your home, ease the burden on your heating system, and potentially reduce energy expenses during the harsh winter months. What strategies have you found to be most effective in keeping your home warm? Share your thoughts in the comments!
