Skipping Stone Design

Skipping Stone Design

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What’s the Ideal Home Temperature for Your Physical Comfort and Your Wallet?

The ideal sleeping temperature is 65°F (just over 18°C), but what about a normal daytime temperature?

Everyone seems to like their home temperature to be a little different while they go about their day. Schools keep it cold while people who regularly work outside feel ACs can be blasting a bit hard for their liking.

Then there’s the matter of efficiency. If you like it cold but the bills get to be too high you won’t be enjoying that frigid air for too much longer.

So what is the ideal temperature? Let’s find out!

Home Temperature: A Topic on the Rise

The thermostat has become a frequent point of friction between roommates and families, second only to the tv remote. Air conditioning is essential in American culture, as more than 90% of American households have them.

One of the biggest problems, though, is that our method of cooling our homes and businesses is wildly inefficient. What can affect efficiency? A shortlist includes:

  • Layout and size of the house
  • Orientation to the sun
  • Humidity
  • Health, Age, and number of occupants

But efficiency is only one part of the puzzle. While the average usage and price of electricity across the nation vary from state to state, Americans consume just under $110 worth of electricity per month.

Using less is great but so is having cheap electricity. Hawaii, one of the places that could benefit most from AC usage, averages $300 a month in electric bills.

Open plans benefit from less ductwork, and more efficient airflow, making for a cooler home for less. Big windows facing the sun drive heat into your home as well. Even lowering a shade for the top third at the brightest part of the day will cut down on glare and heat.

Humidity holds heat in the air and makes it a bitter cold quicker. Think about using dehumidifiers to keep the air temperature comfortable as it fluctuates throughout the day.

Kids and the elderly are more sensitive to temperature changes. Following through on the above tips will keep tempers a bit cooler for everyone.

Give It To Me Straight

Across the nation, people in winter prefer about a 70°F ( 21°C) and in the summer 68°F (20°C). So as long as you keep it between 68 to 70°F, nobody will get hurt fighting.

Of course, depending on where you live, the price of that perfect temperature might run high. To make sure your system is running efficiently and in good working order, you need an expert, such as at DNDAIR.com.

Professionals can also tell you when your system has had enough and needs to be replaced or upgraded to properly heat and cool your space. Not all homes are the same and there is no single solution to everyone’s cooling and heating needs.

Cooling Down on a Hot Topic

Home temperature doesn’t have to be a hot topic in your home or office. Make sure to have a professional give an assessment. Chances are you can use some maintenance or an upgrade to make your space feel pleasant and comfortable.

Enjoy a cool house? At Skipping Stone Design, we do too. We have loads of articles on home improvement, DIY, health, and more.

Want to know more about how to build your home or how to winterize it? Yep, we have that, too!

Keep reading other posts for more tips on how to make your life a good one!

Top 3 Interior House Painting Ideas You Must Try!

The easiest way to switch up the look in any room of your house instantly is with paint!

Though the task seems like a lot to take on, these ideas are simple to execute and leave you with results that last for years and years to come.

Whether you’re looking for a change, or just need to freshen up your space, take a look at these top 3 interior house painting ideas!

Painting Ideas for the Whole House

The interior painting process starts with picking your color. If you want to go with one or two colors for the whole house, keep it natural and muted. Anything too bright or colorful could seem overwhelming.

Gray, white, ivory, and even blues and greens are a good place to start if you’re unsure which color palette to go with. Also, consider the color during different times of the day when the light will hit the indoor house paint differently than others. This will give you an idea of what it will feel like being in the space.

When choosing your paint, pay attention to the sheen as well as the color. The differences between finishes can be substantial, so make sure you’re picking the best option for your room.

Interior Painting Ideas for an Accent Wall

Indoor house painting is a big job, except when you only do one wall, like an accent wall! An accent wall is a single wall that is a different color, texture, or different pattern from those around it.

If you’re not looking to make any massive paint changes right now, start with an accent wall! Accent walls work well in homes because they draw the eye and anchor the room to a focal point.

An accent wall can be any color or you can try out a fun abstract print! Geometric wall designs created with painters tape or onyx black walls can make a huge statement without taking over the room.

Everything Except the Wall

Your walls may not be the only place that needs a touch-up! If you’re looking to refresh a space, look beyond the walls.

Cabinets, baseboards, and the ceiling are also options if you want to renew a space. Cabinets can be done by yourself or a professional, but don’t be afraid to choose an interesting color. If you’re tired of that boring brown or white, switch it up!

But the color shouldn’t be your only concern, for the paint to stand out, clean lines are essential. Pay attention especially to the edges of the wall and baseboards.

Keep baseboards simple and clean. A nice bright white or muted gray is great for grounding the wall and connecting the floor and wall space.

Painting Your House

The toughest part about getting started on a project like painting is starting!

If you don’t think you can handle the job on your own, recruit a friend, family member, or hire a professional. Painting is a big job, you don’t have to go it alone!

These 3 indoor painting ideas are popular and come out great! The key to success is having confidence in your choices and clean painting.

Do you have any questions about this article? Click here to contact us today.

How to Build a Wine Cellar in Your Home

Are you a wine lover? If so, join the club!

After all, there are few things more enjoyable than driving a glass of fine wine while spending time with friends or family. Best of all, wine is one of those things in life that get better with age. That’s why it’s so much fun to collect bottles of wine, store them somewhere cool and shady, and let the passage of time do what it does best.

This article takes a look at how to build a wine cellar in your own home. Keep reading to learn the secrets of wine cellar construction so that you can transform your basement into a wine lover’s dream.

Assess Your Basement

The first step is to make sure that your basement is suitable for a wine cellar. This includes checking the room for air leaks that might pose a threat to your wine collection and negatively impact the aging process.

Keep in mind that the quality of your wine cellar will have a direct impact on how your wine will age and taste over the passage of years. Thus it’s important to remember that air leaks and exposure to light will damage your wine. This is why the basement needs to be prepared before the wine cellar is built.

Install Vapor Barrier Sheets

Once you’ve checked for air leaks, you’re ready to install the plastic sheets that are designed to protect the room’s insulation. Vapor barrier sheets should be installed on the warm side of the wall to prevent mold from growing, which creates rot that can quickly ruin the finish on your walls.

For help remodeling your basement, check out RLP Enterprises INC.

Prepare the Floor and Walls

Now you’ll need to seal the concrete floor and begin furring the walls. Keep in mind that a concrete floor can be extremely porous, so you’ll want to apply a high-performance coating such as epoxy or urethane.

Next, use 2-inch by 4-inch strips of foam to serve as wine cellar insulation. These strips should be installed after the vapor barrier sheets are in place. It’s also important to use spray foam to fill any cracks found in the walls.

Select a Door

One of the most fun parts of building a wine cellar is selecting an attractive door. Just make sure to choose a door that provides adequate insulation and won’t allow outside air to leak into the cellar. A glass door should be sealed around the entire frame and be at least 1 3/4″ thick.

Install a Cooling System

You’ll also need a cooling system. Keep in mind that your wine cellar cooling unit will be responsible for the task of maintaining the ideal temperature for your wine, regardless of the weather outside. Therefore it’s crucial to choose a system that’s right your specific space.

A Homeowner’s Guide to How to Build a Wine Cellar In Your Basement

When you’re ready to start collecting wine, you’ll need a great place to store it. Fortunately, these tips will help you build a wine cellar that you’ll love in the convenience of your own home.

Keep scrolling to discover more great home improvement and lifestyle advice on our blog.

Energy Use 101: 5 Easy Ways to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

Are you looking for ways to save money on your energy bills? If so, you’ve come to the right place for help.

As the cost of energy continues to rise year after year, it’s more important than ever to look for ways to reduce home energy usage. Fortunately, it’s possible to save money while helping to provide the environment without making major lifestyle sacrifices.

This article takes a look at great tips for reducing your energy use. The key is to make smart choices and to be aware of how your personal lifestyle choices impact the environment. Keep reading to discover insight into how things like energy efficient windows and other upgrades can make a big difference.

1. Change Your Air Filter

The first step in saving energy in your home is to change the air filter in your HVAC system. After all, those filters get dirty quickly.

It’s important to keep in mind that a dirty air filter will restrict airflow when heating or cooling your home. This means that your HVAC system will have to work harder in order to keep your living space comfortable.

Air filters can be purchased at your local hardware store and are relatively inexpensive. So go ahead and buy several at a time so you’ll always have one handy when needed.

2. Switch to LED Light Bulbs

Are you still using traditional light bulbs? If so, you’re wasting money and energy. That’s because traditional light bulbs require more energy, thus costing you more on your energy bill each month.

LED bulbs might cost a little more upfront but will actually save a surprising amount over the course of each month. This is especially important in homes that use a lot of light bulbs. After all, the energy usage from each of those bulbs can really add up in the long run.

3. Use Blackout Shades

When it comes to keeping your home as cool as possible during the heat of summer, you should keep your shades closed and consider investing in blackout shades.

Why? Because blackout shades will block the sun, thus preventing the outside heat from warming the interior of your home. This is a quick and easy way to help your HVAC system run less, thus reducing your energy bill while keeping your home as comfortable as possible.

Check out these motorized blackout shades.

4. Turn Off Lights In Empty Rooms

Turning off the lights in empty rooms should be a no-brainer. And yet many people get in the habit of leaving lights on as they come and go. Even if you’re only gone for a few minutes, those few minutes can really add up over time.

5. Install a Programmable Thermostat

Your thermostat controls the temperature inside your home. That’s why it’s important to upgrade to a programmable thermostat that puts you in full control over monitoring the interior temp twenty-four hours a day.

This will give your home a chance to heat up or cool off before you return after a long day at work.

A Homeowner’s Guide on How to Reduce Energy Use

Everyone wants to save money. Fortunately, these tips for reducing energy use will help keep your heating/cooling bills as low as possible.

Keep scrolling to discover more great home improvement tips on our blog.

Enjoy the Show! Blockbuster Home Theater Paint Colors for Movie Buffs

So, it’s finally happening — you’re building that home theater you’ve dreamt of since you were a kid. You’ve got the projector, you’ve got the seating, you’ve got the bulk order of popcorn kernels — now all you need to do is paint the room!

If you’re having trouble finding the perfect home theater paint colors, keep reading for a few tips.

Make It Dark & Flat

If there’s one philosophy you should always follow with theater pain colors, it’s this: go dark.

Everyone knows that movies look better in the dark. While it might be tempting to pain your theater room bright, vibrant colors to make it stand out, it will hurt the viewing experience. Bright colors reflect light, meaning you’re going to get a lot of bouncing light when the screen brightens up.

You’ll also want to choose a flat, matte paint that isn’t reflective or glossy. The less you have to worry about reflections, the better.

The Cozy Look

If you want your home theater design to be warm, welcoming, and comforting, try going with a brown color scheme.

Mix in a few different shades of dark brown, and complement it with wood accents and paneling. This can look extremely classy, while also making the room seem warmer and more inviting. You can complement the brown with dark oranges and blues for great effect.

If you’re looking for a professional painter to paint your home theater, look no further than Metro Painting.

All-Black Everything

If you want to ensure the best viewing experience, make your theater room as dark as possible.

That means painting every wall as black as possible. The good thing about black paint is that it goes with every other color. You can complement the room with dark-red carpets, seating, curtains, and other accessories.

Don’t forget to pain the ceiling, too! Even reflections from the ceiling can harm the viewing experience.

Classic Red

One of the first colors you might think of when you imagine a theater is red.

That’s probably because of red carpets, red seats, and red curtains, staples of the theater experience. If you’re going to go with red paint, however, you’ll want to keep it dark and flat. Try a color like burgundy, and accent it with gold for a truly luxurious home theater experience.

Modern Navy

If you want something a little different, why not go with navy blue?

Navy blue is perfect because it’s dark and complements tons of colors. You can pair it nicely with brown, black, shades of gray, and orange to name just a few. When the lights go out it will look almost as dark as all-black, and offers a great, modern look when the lights go back up.

Picking the Best Home Theater Paint Colors

Picking home theater paint colors might be the most important part of building your home theater. The wrong color choice can ruin your viewing experience, while the right one can enhance it greatly. As long as you go flat and dark, you’re on the right track.

For more design topics like this, please check out the rest of our blog.

5 Vintage Garden Decor Ideas That Will Transport You Back in Time

Did you know that two-thirds of homeowners user their outdoor spaces for relaxing?

If you have an outdoor space, it’s only natural that you’d want to enjoy it! There are endless ways to style your outdoor space, whether you want a lush garden or trendy patio space.

Vintage gardens are particularly trendy right now, especially if you are aiming for a farmhouse-style home. But what’s the best way to design a vintage-style garden?

We’re here to help you out! Keep reading the guide below for five vintage garden decor ideas!

1. Metal Sculptures

There’s something about metal sculptures that scream rustic. They’re the perfect ornament for walkways and patios.

If you check out your local antique shop, you’re sure to find a metal sculpture that strikes your fancy. Many vintage metal sculptures are modeled after animals, but you can always make your own with scrap metal if you can’t find one you like!

2. Practical Vintage Garden Decor Ideas: Chairs

Wire-framed chairs are a popular choice for vintage lawn decor. They are sturdy and the perfect size for a small to medium-sized planter. Succulents are an excellent plant to pair with wire-framed chairs.

Not only can you use vintage chairs as unique planters, but you can also pair them with a retro table to create a cozy sitting area. For truly one-of-a-kind vintage design, consider bamboo folding chairs. These are perfect for anyone looking for a simple, outdoorsy design.

3. Vintage Water Feature

If you’re enamored with Italian water gardens, why not bring some of that flair into your own garden? A vintage water feature is a great way to bring some water into your garden without carving out room for a pond.

If you want something really dramatic, a vintage water fountain is a right move. However, if you’re looking for more lowkey vintage garden decor ideas, opt for a vintage birdbath.

4. Vintage Decor for Evening Garden Parties: DIY Lanterns

LED fairy lights have become trendy as an accessory to drape over pergolas and hang around patios. If you like the concept of fairy lights but want a more rustic feel, DIY your own little lanterns.

Vintage lanterns can be easily made with mason jars. Making your own custom lanterns opens you up to many possibilities, from hanging lanterns with tealight candles to sitting lanterns with battery-run LED lights.

5. Vintage Planters

You can use any number of vintage pieces as planters. Some of the most popular pieces are bicycles with baskets, clawfoot bathtubs, and rustic wheelbarrows.

If you want a smaller planter, seek out some vintage fruit boxes. They make excellent hanging window box planters.

For more traditional planters, use vintage metal buckets. If you want to add even more vintage charm, position small metal buckets on alternating steps of an old ladder. Add some creeping ivy around the ladder, and you have the perfect vintage garden centerpiece!

Creating a Vintage Garden Dream

With an abundance of online and in-person stores selling antiques and refurbished decor, it’s never been easier to create a vintage-inspired garden! The guide above will help you as you search for vintage garden decor ideas and plan your own dream landscape design!

For more articles on home and garden design, check out the rest of our website!

4 Essential Maintenance Tips for Solar Water Heaters

Did you know that the average life expectancy of solar water heaters is 20 years? This is much longer than the standard electric and gas water heaters available. One key thing to keeping it up and running for a couple of decades is learning some tips to help keep it in it’s best condition.

Keep reading to learn our top tips of maintaining your solar water heater.

1. Drain the Tank

A couple of times per year you want to make sure that you remove the sediment and debris that builds up inside of your water heater. In order to do this, you want to shut off the cold water supply and hook up a hose to the drain valve and run the water into something else such as a bucket until the water runs completely clear.

If the water is still foggy or has a white tint after a while of running the clean water through it, open the water supply valve for a little bit to stir up the extra sediment. Then, drain the tank again.

If you are not sure how to drain the tank you can have a reputable company like Marathon Plumbing do it for you.

2. Examine the Rod

There is an anode rod inside a water heater which is what helps it heat the water up. Every couple of years you want to loosen the hex screw and remove the rod to inspect it.

If the rod is less then 1/2 inch thick you will have to replace it, or if more than 6 inches of the steel wire is showing. If you notice that the anode rod has a coating of calcium you will also want to replace it.

3. Prevent Scaling

Something that will affect the performance of a liquid or hydronic-based hot water system is scaling. Scaling can also cause the valve and pump to fail on the potable water loop. One way to avoid scaling is by using water softeners through the collector every three to five years.

You can also use a mildly acidic solution like vinegar and circulate it through the collector of the hot water loop every couple of years.

4. Pumps or Fans

You want to always make sure that the distribution pumps or the blowers are working. You can listen to them to see if they turn on when the sun is shining on the collectors. If you do not hear them operating then the pump or blower has malfunctioned or the controller is not working right.

Feeling Like a Solar Water Heaters Pro?

Now that you know more about caring for solar water heaters, you can start shopping around for the perfect water heater for your home and needs. Keep in mind that your unit will require periodic inspections and maintenance to keep it running at its best potential and efficiently.

If you are ever in doubt don’t be afraid to contact a qualified technician to help you.

Did our article help you out today? Please browse around our site for some more helpful reads.

Rustic Life: Country Home Essentials You Need for the Great Outdoors

As we approach the cold months, more people are retreating their countryside homes. Many people take a trip to the mountains and forests for a camping getaway. Many find appeal in living in the countryside due to the simplicity of life.

The population of rural American areas has been rising since 2018. While many young adults move out to the city, many people in their 30’s and 40’s were moving in. They come to enjoy a slower and community-based life.

Here are some country home essentials you need for a life in the countryside. Whether you’re moving to the country or planning to redecorate your home, here are some great tips for designing your interior.

Add Stone Elements

Stone is a great feature to add to your country house. Any natural material helps you achieve a rustic look for your country home. Quartz and granite are a popular choice among interior designers.

Consider covering a wall with stone or adding a stone flagstone in your kitchen. You can also use stones to construct a fireplace hearth in your living room. You can incorporate stones into almost anything, including your floors and walls.

A Modern Twist

Modern rustic is a new trend in interior design. Many people embrace the rustic charm with a touch of modern twists. Most modern rustic homes consist of an open floor plan and modern furniture.

For a modern rustic look, add modern details. Pair your rustic style home with shiny modern appliances. Mix and match your furniture with your kitchen appliances.

Consider pairing polished granite countertops with wooden cabinets. You can accent your wooden elements with stainless steel items. You can also replace your cowhides with simple and natural fabric materials.

Use Simple Silhouettes

Pair your rustic textures with furniture that has simple shapes. This can also help you achieve a modern rustic look. Minimalist furniture allows you to see and appreciate each element.

Many country homes feature loud textures on floors and walls. Using simple silhouettes helps you to balance this out and create a more cohesive design. Keep your furniture simple and clean.

Consider getting items with clean lines. This is similar to Nordic designs and works well with rustic homes. Focus on getting furniture made of natural materials.

Placement is important with simple silhouettes. Make your furniture the focal point of a room. Center your furniture in every room and frame everything else around it.

Play With Angles

Exposed wooden beams are popular elements of a country home. If you’re remodeling your home with wooden beams, play with angles. Use geometric shapes and architectural details.

You can also use this technique when redesigning your windows. Give your windows tall frames. This also helps in adding a modern flair to your country house.

Soften your hard wooden surfaces with round shapes. You can use round mirrors or circular chandeliers. You can also use this in other design elements of your home like paintings.

Use Muted Colors

Muted colors are a common feature of rustic style homes. Colors inspired by nature help you achieve the coziness of country homes. Chalky white walls and warm taupe cabinets are a popular sight in country homes.

You can also try modeling your homes in neutral gray tones to add a modern touch. Pair your muted palette with a dark coffee table. You can also consider using patterned pillows to add interest in the room.

If your house has a unique architecture, you can use muted colors to accentuate them. Soft and understated colors allow architectural elements to stand out. Muted palettes include muted blues, greens, and yellows.

Use Classic Furniture

Using classic furniture are great elements that can give your home a more rustic vibe. If you don’t like the modern rustic look, ditch the midcentury modern style furniture. Opt for classic and traditional styles with plush upholstery and round edges.

Pair classic furnishings with antique decor. Look for aged items in a flea market or antique store. Avoid getting anything that looks new and shiny.

Find country home-appropriate items to finish your house. These may include metal signages and other vintage furnishings. You can also decorate your walls with antique artwork.

Have a Porch Swing

No country home is complete without a porch swing. Many residents spend hot summer nights outside looking at the stars and catching fireflies. Porch swings are fun and classic addition to your country house.

An attractive porch swing can even add value to your home property. It’s a small and simple addition that can increase your property value if you ever need to sell it. You can buy one from your nearest home depot or build your own!

Use natural wood for your porch swing seating. Layer your swing with soft cushions and textures. If you don’t have enough room, you can opt for a rocking chair instead.

Gun Safe

Over 46% of Americans who live in rural areas own guns. 75% of them own more than one. Most gun owners in rural areas use their guns for hunting.

Many also use their guns to protect their properties. Countrysides are more vulnerable to predators like wolves and bears. Many residents use their guns to scare off predators threatening their livestock.

Gun safes are popular in rural areas. If you have your own gun safe, make sure to move it as safely as possible.

Get These Country Home Essentials to Enjoy The Great Outdoors!

Now you know some great tips for styling a country home. Dress your home with natural wooden elements. Stone and modern furniture can add more interest and help your home look more cohesive.

Prepare for life in the countryside starting with your new home. Use these great country home essentials when you finally move in.

Why stop here when we have more guides to help you get the most out of your outdoor adventure? We invite you to check out more of our content right here to get the guides you need.

How to Find a Good Home Inspector

Handyman is holding folder with paper and writing. He standing near sink. Top view

When you’re purchasing a home, few things can set your mind at ease about the quality of the property that you are purchasing quite like a complete home inspection report can. Put simply, the right inspection service will surface to you all of the problems that exist with the house.

Armed with this information, you can negotiate the property price to get a better offer for yourself.

The only crick in the process is knowing how to find a good home inspector. The home inspection services market is a crowded one, and you want to be sure you get one that will do the job right the first time. To help you with that, we’ve created a list of a few things to watch out for as you look for a home inspector.

Ask for Referrals

The first step in learning the process of how to choose a house inspector is to ask for referrals. There’s no doubt that someone in your social circles has previously had a home inspection done prior to buying their property. Ask them what home inspection service they used.

They’ll either be able to direct you to a high-quality service or tell you who to stay away from based on their experience. Both pieces of information are often equally valuable!

Check Online Reviews

Once you have a few good candidates for a home inspection service on your shortlist from referrals, it’s time to trim that list down even further. To do so, check out the online reviews of each of those companies.

The beauty of the Internet is that it allows consumers to check the reputation of virtually any company online in a matter of seconds. If the home inspection service that you’re looking at doesn’t have a plethora of happy customers willing to sing its praises, then you’re looking at the wrong company.

See Previous Reports

Last but certainly not least, before you decide on any specific home inspection service, make sure that you get a look at some of the previous reports that they have done. This will give you an accurate picture of how thorough the home inspection service is.

As a general rule, the more thorough a home inspection service is, the more it costs. But knowing everything that’s wrong with a property is one of the primary benefits of hiring a house inspector. Getting that detailed home inspection before buying a property will give you a clear view of how much money you’re going to have to put into fixing things as soon as you move in.

How to Find a Good Home Inspector, Made Simple

There you have it. Now that you know how to find a good home inspector in a few steps, all that’s left is for you to start asking your friends for referrals so you can follow this process. Good luck with your house purchase!

For more real estate advice, check out the rest of the articles on the website before you leave!

7 Steps to Make Your Home Ready for Winter

The air is starting to get a little chillier, and it’s almost time to break out those fall sweaters.

It’s important to enjoy the fall while it lasts, but we have to keep another, less enjoyable, fact in mind; winter is right around the corner. That means it’s time to start prepping our homes to stay cozy and safe.

We’re going to explore some tips for getting your home ready for winter, hopefully saving you some money and effort with the possible home damages that the season can bring.

Let’s get started:

How to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

We’re going to look at 7 key tips that should have you ready for the blistering cold. Your house might be unique, though, so be sure to do a walk-through of your home and check for weak spots before you declare yourself winterized.

1. Invest in Pipe Protection

The biggest risks that winter poses are burst pipes. A small investment to insulate your pipes can make a huge difference down the road. Many pipe burst situations can cost upwards of $5,000 dollars to fix.

When it comes to home winterization, taking care of your pipes is the first thing you should think about doing.

2. Think About Swapping Out Screens

One great way to keep the heat in and the cold out is to install storm windows. Storm windows provide another barrier against airflow and certainly do a lot more than screens to insulate your home.

If you’re not interested in investing in an entire set of windows, our next option might be more enticing.

3. Window Plastic

Window plastic is a cheap, effective way to prevent air from flowing through creases in your home. Particularly useful for windows, plastic simply requires that you cut and tape pieces up around your openings.

You can take care of your entire house for something like $100, depending on how many windows you have.

4. Reverse Your Fans

It might seem counterintuitive, but a fan can actually serve to keep the heat in your home where you want it.

Reversing your fan will create an updraft and actually work to keep the heat down near the floor of the room where you’ll be sitting. If your fans reverse, give it a shot and see how it works.

5. Insulate Extra Spaces

Attics and crawlspace are big energy-sucks if they’re not insulated.

It wouldn’t hurt to hire someone to get out and take a look at your attic situation to see if you’re losing heat. Even if you don’t notice it, uninsulated attics can take a significant amount of energy over the winter.

6. Consider Possible Ice Dams

Another issue that pertains to the attic is ice dams. Soffits are a great help in keeping airflow through your attics and preventing them from getting too hot.

When too much heat sits in the attic, it seeps up to the bottom layer of snow on your roof and melts it. That melted snow runs down and collects, only to freeze. This process can lead to huge roof expenses and damages.

7. Clear Out Gutters

Gutters are also a hotspot for ice dams. Simply clearing and repairing your gutters can save you a huge headache.

Ice dams are far less likely to build-up in gutters that are free of clutter.

Need More Home Improvement Tips?

Getting everything ready for winter is a small investment that saves you stress and money. There’s a lot more involved with maintaining your home, though. We’re here to help.

Explore our site for more home improvement tips that will keep you cozy all through the year.