Shop the Room! – Page 21 – Shop Room Ideas

The cold season is approaching as the demand for more energy consumption increases. While the heating and cooling system is working hard to keep your house cozy, their energy requirements also escalate.

Finding methods to save on electricity usage this winter can be challenging, but it’s possible by making some simple changes to your daily routine. By simply making some adjustments, you can cut your electricity bills significantly.

There are several ways to keep your house warm and conserve energy consumption during winter. Here are some of the most effective methods you may want to implement.

1. Change Your Filters Monthly

If you have a forced-air heating system, it’s best to change the filters monthly. One of the easiest things to save on energy this winter is changing the filters as scheduled.

When you use a dirty filter, it takes more energy for your furnace to heat your home. Additionally, you’ll have to clean the air ducts and vents much more often if they’re exposed to dirt and dust from a dirty filter. You can buy high-efficiency filters for a fraction of the cost. They might be more expensive to purchase up front, but they’ll save you money in the long run.

Moreover, you may want to check out your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system to ensure it’s functioning correctly. This system has a vital role in getting your home ready for winter.

If there are any issues with your HVAC, then it’s best to contact a professional to make the necessary repairs. You may visit https://www.dmselectservices.com/boyce/ or any other website to find a reliable HVAC contractor in your area.

2. Adjust Your Water Heater Thermostat

One of the highest sources of energy consumption in the home is water heating. It takes longer for the water to heat up, and most people will turn the heater up higher. This means the water heater works overtime and consumes more energy than necessary.

Set the thermostat down on your water heater, just a few degrees, approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You won’t even notice the difference in water temperature, but you could see a significant reduction in your monthly energy bill.

Another way to save energy on water heating is to install a timer on the heater. It’ll allow you to set a schedule for when the heater is on and when it’s off. This approach can be helpful during the colder months when you’re not home as often and don’t need the water heater running all day long.

3. Get Rid Of Air Leaks And Drafts

Air leaks and drafts can cause your home to lose heat and energy. If there are any cracks or openings around the windows, doors, or walls, then you should seal them up.

For instance, if your windows aren’t sealed correctly, it can cause air to escape from your home. This way, the cold air will come in, and it’ll be much harder for you to heat your house. The gap under your door can also disrupt how well-insulated your home is.

There are many ways to fix drafty areas where cold wind is coming in. If you have any cracks or openings, you can seal them up with caulk or weatherstripping. You might also want to install door sweeps at the bottom of your doors to keep the drafts out.

4. Use the Sun For Natural Light

Another way to help your home stay warm is by using the sun for natural light and heat. Open up the curtains and windows to allow the sun in during the day. The sun can provide a lot of heat, which will help to warm up your house.

In addition, take advantage of natural light whenever possible. It doesn’t require electrical lightings, which is an energy-consumption source. You can turn off your light fixtures when you’re not using them and try to utilize all the available daylight hours. This way, you’ll be able to make your home more comfortable while also conserving energy.

5. Keep Your Curtains Closed At Night

Keeping the curtains closed at night is one of the simplest ways to help your home stay warmer as windows can be a source of heat loss. They’re typically the weakest link in a home’s insulation. By keeping the curtains closed, you’re trapping the heat in and preventing it from escaping out the window.

However, if you don’t want to close the curtains, window treatments can help conserve energy. Thermal drapes might be the best option because they insulate your windows and keep the heat in. They’re a good choice if you want to keep the view out your window but still want to save energy.

Conclusion

While winter is coming, you don’t have to dread the cold weather. It may seem like a daunting task, but it’s much easier than you think. Make these guidelines a priority in this cold weather. Doing so will significantly reduce electricity consumption and save you money while being more comfortable in your home.

If you’re a homeowner, you might already be eyeing the favorable marketing conditions facing sellers in the real estate industry. Recently, home prices have skyrocketed, and top real estate agents only expect these prices to keep rising.

While you may not be thinking of selling anytime soon, it’s still always a good idea to continuously take on simple home maintenance tasks so that, when the time to sell does come, the process will be seamless.

Here are 4 easy tasks you can prioritize that’ll get your home ready for the new year and one step closer to selling for a great price!

Deep Clean

The coronavirus pandemic now makes the cleaning process more important than ever. Some worry of their personal safety, while others worry of passing along the deadly disease to loved ones. Presenting a clean and tidy home free of dust and germs is a great way to ring in the New Year, and give you, your guests, and your potential buyers peace of mind.

For some, deep cleaning is a daunting task. If you’re looking for housekeeping tips, the best thing you can do is set a schedule or find a method that works for you. Set a timer once a day for just 15 minutes to clean as much as possible during that time, or set a rotating cleaning schedule to undertake once a week. Don’t neglect the frequently touched areas like doorbells, door handles, cabinets, handrails, toilet seats, faucets, remote controls, and light switches.

Declutter

Overtime, personal keepsakes start to add up. We all have closets full of old clothes we never wear anymore and little mementos we just couldn’t throw away. Some homeowners ask questions such as “Can crystals help with anxiety?” among others, and it has been proven that more and more homeowners include crystals and gemstones in their homes to ease anxiety, improve sleep, and enhance the positive atmosphere at home. If you’ve lived in your home a long time, the home might feel very cluttered with all that you’ve collected over the years.

While decluttering is important to impress your guests, it’s also one of the most important tasks any seller could undertake.

If you’re looking for motivation, try the 12-12-12 method. Everyday, find 12 items to keep, 12 items to throw away, and 12 items to donate. In just a month, you’ll be surprised how decluttered and spacious your home will be. Afterward, you can move on to more fun tasks like decorating that will impress anyone who walks into your home!

Curb appeal and yard maintenance

First impressions are always most important, especially when it comes to your home. If you’re selling, any top-notch real estate agent will attest that sprucing up your curb appeal is essential.

Don’t worry about expensive undertakings, as simple tasks can make all the difference. Mow the lawn, repaint the front door, add a nice welcome mat, plant flowers in the garden, and buy prominent house numbers.

In addition, you might want to consider sprucing up your private outdoor areas as well. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, home buyers are doubly interested in outdoor spaces, while they’re also safe places to host your guests if you’re concerned about the virus.