Fall is upon us, and for some people, that means a great excuse to get out the blankets, light some candles, and soak up in the feel-good factor of this season. Whether you love this time of year or yearn for something warmer, there’s something nice about being cozy inside. But that might mean you need to do some prep work to make sure your house is as cozy as it needs to be.
Here are a few things to get out of the way now so you can be more comfortable when winter does come.
Get Doors and Windows Fixed or Replaced
There’s nothing worse than getting to the end of the day, finally getting a chance to relax and curl up with a good book or watch a movie, only to find that there’s a horrid cold draft coming from outside and making it into your home. If your windows or exterior doors are older, the seal connecting them to the wall can fail. This allows cold air or even pests and insects to get inside.
As well as ruining your coziness, this has another major downside, which is that it ends up costing you a lot of money in utility bills. Your heating system has to work much harder than it should to keep your home nice and comfortable, which means you end up spending more money on electricity.
So, get your doors and windows replaced before it gets too cold.
Make Sure Your Heating and Cooling Systems Work
As well as ensuring that your heat stays in your home, it’s a good idea to make sure that your heating system actually works properly and efficiently. Both the heating and air conditioning systems in your property are designed to keep you as comfortable as possible. It’s important year-round, but if you live somewhere with cold winters, it’s especially important in winter.
In extreme temperatures, going without heating can actually be dangerous, which is also why it’s vital to get your heating system checked out each year and, if necessary, repaired, cleaned, or replaced. Companies like Airtron Heating and Cooling can help customers ensure their heating system is always functional when needed.
Invest in Soft Furnishings
Another way to keep your home nice and cozy is to get some soft furnishings. These can prevent drafts and make it easier for you to feel comfortable. Thick curtains are great for insulation, allowing your windows to work more efficiently at keeping your home nice and warm.
You also can’t go wrong with a few cozy blankets. Even if you’re warm enough, there’s something really comforting about wrapping yourself in a blanket in a nice warm house, especially if you’ve had a long day or spent a lot of time outside in the cold. Also, if the power does fail and you’re unable to heat your home, blankets can be a lifesaver.
Throws, cushion covers, and other decorative furnishings make your home feel warmer, softer, and more comfortable. A rug is great if you have hard floors that might otherwise feel cold on your feet, because it brings the room together in a nice cozy way.
Plan a Cozy Design Theme
Some people like to decorate their homes differently in summer and in winter, and this can be a great way to keep your home looking fresh and seasonally appropriate.
In summer, you might be more interested in bright and clean colors. This is when you want some nice open spaces, lots of light, and lighter or cooler decorative features. But in winter, you might want more cozy cottage vibes. Believe it or not, you can have both in the same home.
If you have a bit of extra space, you can store your winter decorative features when you aren’t using them. Then you can bring out your soft furnishings and maybe even some other ornaments that you like for winter.
You also shouldn’t discount how good candles are for setting a theme. Plenty of candles will do so much to make your home feel more cozy, especially if you go for warming, spicy scents. Just don’t leave them unattended.
Consider a Log Burner
Another great way to upgrade your home’s cozy factor is with a log burner or an open fireplace. This is a brilliant way to make your house feel so much warmer, and there’s something really special about having an actual fire to sit next to. They’re also fun to light and, if you get a log burner, not too difficult to get going.
Even better, if your area is prone to blackouts or brownouts, a real fire isn’t affected by the electricity. You can still heat the room really effectively, have a bit of light, and, in some cases, even cook on a log burning stove.
But what if your home doesn’t have a chimney? You can get some of the similar vibes of a real fire by installing a more modern fireplace in your home. While you don’t get the exact effect, these fireplaces are much simpler to install and light, and you can still enjoy the feeling of sitting in front of a fireplace.
Cooking Cozy Meals
While this isn’t a way to decorate your home, it is definitely a fantastic way to really amp up the coziness factor for yourself and your family. While light meals and barbecues are great in summer, they just aren’t always what you want in the winter. You want a hug from the inside out.
Fall is soup season, and you can’t go wrong with soothing and warming soups and stews when you really want to warm yourself up. Don’t be afraid to explore different cuisines, but anything with potatoes and bread will be really comforting and fill you up at this time of year.
Don’t forget about your hot drinks as well. Spiced, warming drinks work well, like teas, spiced lattes, and even hot cocoa.
*contributed post*
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