- 1). Cover hardwood flooring, tile and other smooth surfaces with rugs if possible. This will insulate the floor. Even adding rugs over large carpeted areas that are on top of concrete slabs will help add a layer of insulation.
- 2). Hang heavy curtains or some type of shade to insulate windows from the transfer of cold air through the glass panes. You can also apply a stick-on film to the windows to insulate them if you have older single-pane windows.
- 3). Check for air leaks around doors and windows. You can feel large leaks, but smoke from a lit cigarette will show you where smaller leaks are. Install new seals around doors with leaks. Raise windows and put a piece of foam insulation in the window seal. Close the window down on the insulation to seal off air leaks.
- 4). Turn on a ceiling fan in a large room and set it to a slow speed. The fan will stir the heat in the home, which is always rising up to the ceiling, and force it back down to the level where you and your family can benefit from it. This will make the room more comfortable at a lower heat setting. The fan can run continuously on a low setting and not use a lot of electricity, and you won't feel the breeze from the fan all that much since it is on slow speed.
- 5). Adjust the heat a degree or so below your comfort level, and wear layers of clothing that keep you warm. The heat won't run as often and you will still feel comfortable.
- 6). Install a programmable thermostat. Program the thermostat to operate at a lower temperature when you aren't in the home for long periods of time and to start heating the house up about half an hour before you are supposed to be back. Also program it to be lower when you are asleep, since you can keep warm with extra blankets.
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