Advertisement
You’ve finally done it. You’ve saved enough money or finally gotten that big promotion at work. Whatever the case, you managed to buy yourself the large home you’ve always wanted. Regardless, ensure your large home is comfortable all year round. Here are six secrets to keeping a large home comfortable:
Get a Good Heating and Cooling System
Investing in a reliable HVAC system is probably the most important thing you can do to keep your large home comfortable all year round. It ensures your home is comfortable no matter what the weather is like outside. An AC replacement may be in order if it’s an older home.
Go for a central air conditioning unit or a ductless mini-split system. The latter is a great option if you have an older home without ductwork. Because energy consumption is a significant concern for large homes, get an Energy Star-rated system.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great way to keep your large home comfortable all year round. In the winter, use them to circulate warm air while they circulate cool air in summer. They’re relatively inexpensive to operate and make a big difference in your home’s comfort.
When unable to install ceiling fans in all the rooms, focus on the living room and bedrooms as they’re the spaces people spend the most time in. Besides this, get portable fans for other rooms like the kitchen and bathroom.
Install Double-Paned Windows
Double-paned windows are more energy-efficient than single-paned ones. They’ll keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. In addition, you’ll save money on energy bills. As you will realize, these windows are an excellent upgrade if you have an older home. They can be a big investment, but they’ll pay for themselves in the long run.
As you invest in energy-efficient windows, eliminate drafts by caulking and weatherstripping around them. Storm doors, window treatments, and additional insulation in the attic can also help.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat enables you to control the temperatures in your home. You can program it to lower the temperature when you’re not home and raise it again before returning. It’s a great way to save money on your energy bills. Smartphones can control many newer thermostats, enabling you to adjust the temperature no matter where you are.
Also, because there are rooms you don’t use often, consider zoning the thermostat. It lets you heat or cool specific areas of your home, saving energy costs.
Use Insulation
In the winter, insulation keeps the heat in and out in summer. The type of insulation you choose depends on the climate, budget, and home type. If unsure of which insulation to use, ask a professional.
Experts can assess your needs and make recommendations. The most critical parts to insulate are the attic, floors, and walls. Because heat also escapes through doors and windows, make sure they’re well-sealed and insulated.
Let in Some Light
In the winter, let in as much sunlight as possible. This will warm up your home naturally. Keep the blinds and curtains closed in summer to keep the heat out. Also, consider planting trees around your home. They’ll provide shade in summer and won’t block the sun in winter.
Because large homes tend to lack enough natural light, install skylights. They’ll brighten things up and reduce energy bills. Another option is to install energy-efficient light bulbs, sconces, and track lighting.
Painting the walls a bright color reflects light and makes a space feel larger and cheerful. Light colors such as pale blue, lavender, and light green create a feeling of spaciousness.
Comfort is a Priority
As you will realize, comfort is a huge priority for large homes. No matter the weather outside, you should be able to relax, carry out your daily activities, and entertain guests stress-free. Also, the right strategies minimize energy consumption and save money. All these are achievable by following the tips highlighted above.