5 Ways to Keep an Old House Warm This Winter

Old houses have charm, history, and character. Yet if you live in an old house, you also know that while construction tends to be sturdy, energy inefficiency can be a problem, with drafty windows and doors being a common issue. The good news is there are ways to keep your old house warm during the cold winter months. Educating yourself on how to seal windows for winter (and doors, too) and learning other winterizing techniques can help you stay warm and save money.

Here are five ways to keep your old house cozy and warm while it’s cold outside!

#1 Seal Your Windows and Doors

The older your home, the more likely it is that some crevices and slits will let hot air out. You can help prevent the heat from escaping and improve your home’s energy efficiency by sealing gaps and cracks around the windows and doors.

Try purchasing a sealing kit at a hardware store. You can install it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. You can also seal windows using weather stripping since it’s a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-install option found at most hardware stores. Another option is to use caulk, which is a more permanent solution but can be more challenging to apply.

No matter what method you use, sealing windows for winter is a great way to reduce energy costs and keep your home warm all season long.

#2 Add Insulation

Insulation is critical for keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If your home is more than 30 years old, chances are it could use more insulation. Adding insulation to an attic can be a relatively easy DIY project and can significantly affect your home’s comfort during extreme temperatures.

#3 Hang Heavy Curtains Over Doors and Windows

Hanging heavy curtains over doors and windows can help to keep heat in and cold out. Curtains provide an extra layer of insulation that can make a big difference in the comfort of your home during the winter months. This is especially true for older homes where the foundation has had time to settle, and windows or doors may be slightly out of shape.

#4 Use Space Heaters

As the weather outside gets colder, you may reach for the thermostat in your home. But if your house is older, you might think twice before turning up the heat. Many older homes are not well insulated, meaning they lose heat quickly. As a result, cranking up your central heating can be expensive and ineffective.

Using space heaters can be a more cost-effective way to keep your home warm, if used carefully. You can create a thermal zone around you by placing space heaters in the room you’re in without heating the entire house. Plus, many space heaters come with features like timers and remote controls that make them more convenient to use. Remember, use space heaters during the day time, and don’t leave them unattended. And, keep in mind, while space heaters can serve as a temporary source of warmth, they are not an alternative to heating your home.

#5 Keep the Inside Doors Open

One way to keep an old house warm during the winter is to open the doors throughout the inside of the house. When the doors are open, the heat produced by the HVAC system can circulate the home as intended. This means more even heating throughout the space and less energy usage, which can reduce your heating bills.

Final Thoughts

Winterizing your home doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal. You can keep your old house warm all season by sealing off drafts, adding insulation, hanging heavy curtains, using space heaters wisely, and opening the doors throughout your space. So go ahead and pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy the winter wonderland from inside your warm home.