Heat always moves toward and seeks cold. Heat also rises. A major life skill everyone needs in the wintertime is heat and energy management. It is essential to learn how to conserve and protect what you have. A house, apartment or office stays warm not by making the heater work harder, but by leaking less.
A cold winter can affect finances and safety. Winter becomes more costly, dangerous and even life-threatening as the distance increases from the equator (North or South). Everyone needs to know how to keep a home (and yourself) warm, safe, and functional when it’s cold, dark, and expensive.
Core principles for winter house maintenance
In January and February in the Northern Hemisphere, a house thrives because someone understands a few core principles:
• Heat doesn’t create itself — it’s conserved.
A well-run home keeps warmth in (closed doors, sealed drafts, insulation layers) instead of constantly cranking the heater.
* Manage your energy: Don’t waste it fighting the season.
• Small leaks cause big problems.
A tiny draft can make a house cold and costly. Ignoring it leads to frozen pipes (please see Handle Frozen Pipes in IOV book).
* Fix small issues early: Neglected problems escalate fast.
• Prepare before something breaks.
Smart homeowners check the furnace, stock supplies, and know where the shut-off valves and tools are located.
* Anticipate problems: January and February rewards people who plan ahead and are ready, not those who react late.
• Rely on insulation, not constant effort.
Insulation works quietly all the time to save heat and energy.
* Improve the personal environment: Ample insulation holds heat in place to prevent it from escaping.
Stop Heat From Escaping (Highest Impact)
1. Identify the problem: Get an affordable digital infrared thermometer to identify where heat is escaping.
* Heat loss through drafts can be 20% - 30% of wasted heating.
2. Seal drafts: Check around windows, doors, outlets, and attic hatches. Use weatherstripping, door sweeps, or caulk. Even a towel at the base of a door or window helps in a pinch.
3. Close what isn’t used: Shut doors to unused rooms. Close vents in rarely used spaces (don’t fully block in central system).
* Less space means less heat is required.
Windows Are The Biggest Heat Thieves
4. Use window coverings correctly: Open curtains during the day (sun = free heat). Close curtains at night, especially thick or thermal ones. Plastic window insulation kits can reduce heat loss dramatically. The airtight plastic film helps seal older windows.
5. Check window locks: Locked windows seal better than unlocked ones. Fix or replace broken locks.
Heating System Efficiency
6. Change furnace filters: Dirty filters reduce air flow and efficiency. Replace every 1 to 3 months. Write a date on the filter.
* Clean filters save energy and prevent system strain.
7. Keep vents and radiators clear: Move furniture away from heat sources. Only use approved radiator covers.
* Heat should circulate and not get trapped.
8. Use a programmable or smart thermostat: Lower the temp by 5 to 7°F (3 to 4°C) at night or when away. Even small reductions save money without discomfort.
Insulation and Structural Basics
9. Insulate exposed pipes: Especially in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Use insulated faucet covers outdoors.
* Prevent heat loss and frozen pipes.
10. Check attic insulation: Heat rises and attics are a major loss point. Add insulation and weather stripping to attic access doors.
Everyday Habits Have Value
11. Reverse ceiling fans: Set fans to clockwise at low speed.
* Push warm air down to a living area where cold air collects.
12. Use rugs on cold floors: Especially over tile or wood floors.
* Reduce heat loss and feel warmer instantly.
13. Close the chimney flue: If the fireplace isn’t in use, ensure the chimney damper and any glass doors are shut.
* An open flue is like an open window.
Safety + Heat Conservation
14. Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors: Especially if using gas or space heaters. Never use combustion heaters inside.
* Warm AND safe is better than warm only.
15. Exchange air as needed: Replace stagnant indoor air with safe, breathable air. An airtight home can also be dangerous.
* Fresh air dilutes pollutants and provides healthy oxygen.
16. Use space heaters wisely: Only use them in occupied rooms. Keep them away from curtains, furniture and flammable items. Watch pets around electric heaters and electrical cords.
* Targeted heat is better than heating empty space.
A Final Thought
A warm house isn’t about blasting heat; it’s about trapping it. Every sealed crack and smart habit adds a layer of insulation to your life and money into your wallet.
View or download the whole Information Of Value or my other books for free at this link.
I’ve Got Your Six!
Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
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