Preparing for the next winter is how to stay ahead of problems, and save money in a frugal home. For me, I like to have my plans in place so that when the time comes, I know what I will do. Gardening, canning, and building a greenhouse, tend to take spring focus. The best advice to save is to prepare. My main concern this winter was saving money on our heat bill, in addition to staying warm. Being cold in the winter is the worst. As I move into changing a few things to make us more energy independent, I have added heat conservation to my list. Our home will not accommodate a wood stove, so I must try to research other ways to keep our home warm.
Window coverings keep warm air in and cold air out. Summertime works in reverse, but keeps in cool air. Here are a few of the top window coverings that hold in warm air during the winter season.
Shades for a Frugal Home
There are many different varieties of shades on the market. To narrow it down I found that Cellular and Roman assist in keeping rooms warmer. Cellular shades resemble a honeycomb, and are great for insulating windows. Roman shades work well with odd sized windows, and can be bought with a thermal liner to keep the home warm efficiently.
Insulated Curtains and Draperies
Approximately 20% house heat loss happens through windows each year. The more layers that are added to windows helps with insulation. Insulation is good because it blocks cold air from coming in through the cracks. Shutters help with keeping the warm air inside.
Blackout drapes are affordable and work well to insulate rooms. Blackout drapes also black out the light to help with a better night sleep. We love our blackout curtains winter and summer. They help to keep the room very warm.
Curtains are designed to work with blinds or shades. They are lighter in fabric so they hold heat in better when paired with something else.
Weather Strips
Weather strips stop drafts for maximum frugal home conservation. When the weather gets cooler, tracking down drafts and sealing them with weather strips helps to retain heat. Use mostly for attics that are drafty. Weather strips work well for frugal home families.
Window Insulation
Window insulation lowers energy bills. Experts point out that 25 percent of heat is lost through cracks and crevices of older homes. Using weather strips is one step of many to ensure cold air stays out. Window insulation will build on that process. Window Insulation film can be bought inexpensively at most hardware stores and online. Frugal home experts use more than one window treatment to keep the warm air inside. Buying it now, saves for later. Placing next winters supplies in a storage box now prevents problems.
Magnetic Kitchen Thermal Curtain
Last, but not least is my frugal home favorite. I have not tried this as of yet, but plan on purchasing it for this winter. tested this winter. This magnetic kitchen thermal curtain looks to be a great idea. It is kid and pet proof. That is a huge plus. Next, it is not costly. Benefit number two in my book. Finally, it works like a cold air screen. This thermal curtain is used on a main entrance or a kitchen. Gain comfort in your frugal home without the cost by trying out this little gem!
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