Home Improvement Ideas for Winter

If you are preparing for the winter season, you may be wondering what types of upgrades you can make to your home before the weather gets too cold. Here are some tips for making sure your home is safe, secure, and snug for the winter. 

Double Paned Windows

A good way to conserve energy during the winter is to install double paned windows, which are a form of insulation that allows your home to keep cooler in summer and warmer in the winter. Some reports have shown that double paned windows can save up to twenty five percent of energy, money which can go back into your pocket for other things during the colder months. An added benefit of double paned windows is that they can also protect your home from noise, which is especially advantageous if you have children or neighbors that can get too loud at times. The investment will benefit you for years to come. 

Update Your Fireplace

A fireplace is a great way to keep your home warmer without spending large amounts of money on a heating system or a personal space heater. If you do not want to chop wood or buy it from the store, you can easily replace your fireplace with a gas model. These have all of the benefits of a regular fireplace, without the hassle of lighting and feeding the fire. You can find companies that sell and install these types of fireplaces in your area with a simple internet search. For example, type in "gas log fireplace for sale" and you can compare models and prices to specifically match your needs. 

Create a Mudroom

For areas where the winter weather involves heavy snow or generally wet conditions, a mudroom is integral to keeping the floors and carpets of your home clean. You can make this room in your home a place where your family can store their jackets, winter coats, ponchos, umbrellas, and boots, so that they can enter the main part of the house without tracking in dirt. It is easy to design your mudroom to be efficient if you do not have a lot of space to work with. Try organizational tips such as using baskets, shelves, and hooks to store items while reducing the amount of clutter and keeping things off of the floor.

Invest in Heated Blankets

Another cost effective way to keep warm without making major home renovations is to purchase heated blankets for yourself and your family. These are wonderful because they are easily transportable, so you can snuggle with them at night or bring them into the den for a family movie on a snow day. You can also adjust the temperature depending on preference, so there are no conflicts over the thermostat when it is snowing outside. They can also help people who suffer from chronic pain or illness, such as fibromyalgia, as the heat benefits your circulation. 

Have Emergency Supplies

Hazardous conditions in the winter can sometimes prevent people from accessing food, medical supplies, or other essential items. Therefore, it is important to have an emergency stash of these items to tide your family over in case you are unable to leave the house. You should have enough clean drinking water for half a gallon per day, per person, and dry goods such as nutrition bars, nuts and legumes, and ready to eat meals that can be prepared quickly and easily. Additionally, you should also have supplies in your vehicle in the event that you are stranded in a snowstorm and need to survive for several hours without heat or food. 

It does not have to be difficult to prepare your home for the winter. If you follow these steps, you can ensure that your family is warm and safe, no matter how hazardous the weather becomes. You will have peace of mind and enjoy the winter season with your loved ones.