We do live in a tropical country, but that does not prevent low temperatures from reaching! And, most of the time, it is only when winter shows up that we remember that we need to find ways to keep the house warm.
This is because Brazilian houses are generally not designed to withstand the cold, on the contrary, the vast majority are preparing for hot and sunny days with large spans, doors and windows.
But there is a way to keep warm indoors, you know? And you don’t even have to resort to major structural changes.
Want to know how? So wrap yourself up in the blankets and keep following this post with us.
How to keep the house warm: tips and tricks
Check below the best tips on how to heat the house, even without a fireplace or heating system.
1. Observe the air intakes
The first and most important thing you can do for a warm home in winter is to watch all the air intakes.
Check where the currents enter and exit. A good way to do this is by looking at the curtains. If your windows are not well sealed, the curtain fabric will most likely “dance” inside the bedroom or living room, even if everything is closed.
The doors also allow air to enter and exit, especially through that crack close to the floor.
The big problem with these drafts is that they take the hot air outside and consequently end up bringing the air inside, leaving your house cold.
The solution to this problem is in the next topic.
2. Isolate everything you can
After evaluating all air inlets and outlets, you must provide insulation for these cracks.
The most practical, quick and inexpensive way to do this is using electrical tape. Run the tape all the way through the window to prevent outside air from entering.
As for the doors, a good tip is to use those sand weights in the shape of a « snake ».
3. Curtains are always welcome
Curtains play a fundamental role in heating the house. This is because they help block cold air from entering.
But for that, the tip is to choose thick fabrics, such as blackout curtains.
Lighter fabrics such as fleece, for example, cannot make this barrier against the cold.
4. Right time to open and close the house
Another important tip to keep the house warm is to know the right time to open and close doors and windows.
During the day, try to open the windows and doors so that air can circulate and the sun can enter. About ten minutes is enough. More than that, the house starts to lose heat and become cold.
The doors must be closed before dusk, when temperatures start to drop further.
5. No impediments
Take a walk around your yard and see if there are any obstacles that prevent the entry of light and heat from the sun into your home.
It could be a tree, a piece of furniture, anything in front blocking sunlight.
In the case of a tree, prune and if it is an object, remove it from the place.
6. Floors and coverings
Floors and coverings are the main factor of thermal comfort inside the home.
Ceramic, stone and cement floors, for example, tend to make spaces cooler.
The laminated, vinyl and wooden floors are the best options when it comes to heating the house.
If you live in a place where temperatures drop frequently in winter, the most recommended option is to change the floor.
But if you can’t (or don’t want to) make this replacement, then write down the tip for the next topic.
7. Carpets, please!
A great solution to relieve the thermal sensation of cold floors are rugs. And the more shaggy and furry the better.
As soon as winter comes, spread them around the house. It is worth placing rugs around the bed, in the living room, in the home office and even in the corridors.
8. Right colors
It is nothing new for anyone that the colors influence the feeling of cold and heat. And why not use this characteristic of colors to help in the heating of the house?
Light colors, especially white, absorb but, at the same time, disperse heat throughout the environment.
Dark colors such as black, gray and dark blue and green tones absorb and retain heat, not allowing it to dissipate.
Therefore, a good idea is to bet on the use of curtains, blankets, blankets and rugs in these shades.
9. Fire
And nothing better than a fire to keep the house warm. You can use candles, lanterns and lamps to help with the heating, not to mention that these devices still contribute to make the house more cozy and welcoming.
But above all, preserve your safety and that of your family. Always put out the fire before going to sleep or leaving the room and never light candles near flammable materials.
10. Fabrics
Bet on the use of warm and cozy fabrics to keep the house warm. Some good options are velvet, plush and suede.
You can bring these fabrics indoors using them on pillow covers, blankets and even your clothes.
11. Cook
You didn `t see it coming! The tip here is to go to the kitchen, light the oven and prepare something very tasty.
That’s because every time you turn the oven on automatically it contributes to the heating of the house.
That is, you solve two things in one shot.
Another tip is to avoid steam preparations, as they bring moisture into the home.
12. Taps and heaters
Another major winter problem is the water temperature. It is practically impossible to wash dishes and cook with freezing water under the tap.
But you can solve this problem by installing a heater or an electric tap.
It will make your energy bill a little more expensive, but it’s worth it for the comfort.
13. Heat the bed
For many people, the greatest discomfort of the cold is at bedtime. The cold bed is martyrdom and until it gets warm you have already lost sleep.
But there is an easy way (actually three) to solve this problem. The first one is with the help of a hair dryer.
Turn on the dryer and direct the jet of hot air to the sheet and covers so that they get warm. That done, turn off the device and run to bed before it gets cold. Just be careful not to leave the dryer on under the covers, it may short-circuit and cause a fire.
The second way to warm the bed is to cover the blanket with a blanket. The idea is to make a sandwich. That way, when you lie down, the bed heats up more quickly.
The third and final way to keep the bed warm is to use a thermal bag. Put hot water inside and take the bag under the covers.
And a bonus tip: put your head under the covers for a few minutes. Your breathing helps to warm the bed faster.
14. Change room
Is your room too big? So a good alternative is to move the room temporarily to a smaller room in the house.
This is because the larger the environment, the more difficult it is to heat it. Smaller spaces heat up more easily.
15. Invest in a heater
Finally, if the cold hits hard, then buy a heater. This is the best alternative to heat the house without having to build a fireplace or install an air conditioning unit, as these options require physical changes to the property and are not always possible, especially in apartments or for those who live on rent.
Nowadays there is a huge variety of heater models. A good option are the electric and portable models that can be taken from one room to another in the house.
But before buying yours, check the heating capacity of the appliance per square meter.
In addition to electric heaters, there are also oil heaters that have a higher energy capacity. Assess your needs and make the most appropriate choice for your home.
Remembering that it is always important to keep heaters away from pets and children, as they can cause burns to the touch.
Care when heating the house
In an attempt to make the home warmer, some accidents can end up happening. So it is important to pay attention to the tips below:
- Be careful when handling fire indoors. Keep candles, lanterns and lamps away from flammable materials and always put out the fire before going to sleep, leaving the house or leaving the room.
- Pay attention to the voltage of the equipment used to heat the house, such as electric fireplaces and heaters. Observe the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not light a fire or barbecue in the house to keep warm. Smoke can cause poisoning.
After all these tips you can enjoy the winter and all that it has to offer.
