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December 11, 2014

Staying Cozy Without Breaking the Bank

By Vicki Trapp, AHWD, ASP, CRS, GRI, SRES, SRS, President

Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors

Let’s face it, finding the motivation to leave your home during the winter months can really be tough, or non-existent. This inspiration is especially hard to find when temperatures range from chilly to downright frigid. Instead of braving the elements, many opt to hibernate at home. Staying cozy at home can often mean high heating bills, but it doesn’t have to.

To optimize comfort without breaking the bank, NAR’s HouseLogic recently provided numerous tips that will have people happy they opted to stay indoors. For example, cleaning the glass on your windows allows more natural light into the home. If you do need an extra light or two on, make sure all light bulbs are dust-free, making your home appear 30 percent brighter.

When staying cozy, we often think of warming up by a fire. However, your current gas or wood fireplace may not be the best option. Fireplaces can suck out heated indoor air and send it up the chimney. One alternate option is an eco-friendly gel fireplace that produces a burning fire without gas, wood, electricity or even a chimney. Gel inserts are practically smoke-free and emit fewer allergens then a wood burning fireplace. And some gel inserts even crackle like the real thing!

During the colder months, keep your home lounge-worthy by getting indoor plants, which suck up vapors emitted from household cleaners and paints and also decrease household dust due to increased humidity. Also remember to change your HVAC filter every few months and to seal air leaks around windows, doors, wall outlets, electrical boxes and recessed lights. One clever way to identify air leaks is to light an incense stick or scented candle to hunt down draft spots. The bonus is you leave behind a cozy scent.

Another way to infuse a pleasant scent throughout your home is to use a slow cooker, which is more energy efficient than electric ovens. Put something in to simmer and enjoy the scent wafting throughout the entire house.

And while you’re staying comfortable, also takes steps to stay healthy. Keeping allergies at bay reduces your chances of getting sick. For example, vacuum while your thermostat is set to “fan on.” This easy step helps filter dust that vacuuming kicks up. When done, leave the fan on for an additional fifteen minutes before switching it back to “auto.”

If you’re planning to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom any time soon, consider combatting superbugs with copper or a copper alloy like brass. A 2011 study of three hospitals found that bacteria can only survive on copper for a few minutes, but germs can live on stainless steel for weeks. 

The dark days of winter can really do a number on your well-being. Shorter days trigger the blahs; freezing temps spark the sniffles. So we hope among these tips you find some ideas that’ll turn your home into a comfy haven.