Got the cold weather blues? You don’t have to feel like staying home means being trapped in an icebox when the temperature drops. There are tons of ways to keep your home toasty in the cooler months, and bonus, you can claim you’re just redecorating. You don’t have to be an interior designer or spend a ton of money, either. There are plenty of affordable ways you can make a home cozy on a budget, and here are 5 of them.
1. You’re glowing!
Candles can add a little flare to any room in the house. You might use them for a wonderful aroma, or maybe you want to read by candlelight. In either case, using a variety of candles ranging in size can add dimension to your room. You can also put them in candle holders that fit the theme of the room. Using candles as alternative lighting will certainly help cut down the energy bill. The sweet scent of cookies plus saving money? That’s a win-win.
2. Rug, take the floor!
Stepping on a cold floor will wake you up faster than the coffee you’re about to make. Laying a rug down is a simple way to prevent this. Heat can escape through your bare floors so a rug can help contain it. Add some style to your room, and calm your urge to crank the heat, by investing in some cozy rugs.
3. No draft, no problem.
Doors and windows are two big sources for air leaks. Feeling a cold draft will definitely make your home less cozy. But there’s an easy, and fun, solution to keep your home insulated through your doors: draft stoppers. You can buy one, or you can even make your own if you’re feeling creative. Not sure about the location of the air leaks? When you have a Mass Save home energy audit, an energy technician will locate the problem areas.
4. Let there be lamplight.
Want to literally light up the room more? Table or floor lamps are great accents to your overhead lighting. Lighting that is lower to the ground can make a room feel much toastier. This is especially true in your living room and bedroom. You can also take this opportunity to save on your energy bill by switching to LED light bulbs.
LED bulbs use only 33% of the energy of Compact Fluorescent Lamps, don’t heat up, and last 10 times as long.
5. Curtain call!
As we said before, windows are a big source of air leaks. Curtains may be there for keeping out the light and prying eyes, but insulated curtains can also help contain the heat in a room. Explore insulated curtain styles, as curtain designs can really affect the look of your room. Depending on the type of insulated curtain, you can darken the room and reduce outside noise in addition to regulating temperature.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, especially when your energy bill is kept low. For New Englanders, winter can be an expensive season when it comes to heating your home. Reduce your expenses by getting a no-cost Mass Save home energy assessment
and fixing your home’s problem areas with a little decor. Cheers to a toasty and cozy home!
