10 Tips For Efficiently Heating a Large Home When Temperatures Drop

It’s officially that time of year: Temperatures are dipping into freezing territory and homeowners are cranking up the heat indoors. Staying warm and cozy throughout winter means hefty heating bills, especially in larger homes that require more energy to keep warm. The upside? There are several effective ways to conserve energy and stay comfortable without putting strain on your heating system (and your wallet). Here are our top tips and best practices for conserving energy in a home with ample square footage this season:

1. Seal Doors and Windows

There’s a reason your dad would always complain about leaving the front door open for too long in the colder months—it’s a no-brainer that heat escapes through a home’s openings to the outside world. In larger homes, even small drafts can significantly impact heating efficiency. Check your doors and windows for air leaks, as these can cause heat loss, making your heating system work harder to keep up. Here are a few ways to seal up effectively:

• Weatherstripping: Adding or replacing weatherstripping around doors and windows creates a tighter seal and reduces drafts.

• Caulking: For areas where weatherstripping isn't effective, such as around stationary windows, use caulk to seal gaps.

• Door Sweeps: Install door sweeps on exterior doors to block cold air from sneaking in underneath.

2. Smart Thermostats and Zoned Heating

A larger home often has varied heating needs across different zones. Your basement likely hovers at a cooler temp than your top floor, and maybe you want the heat cranked up in your home office during weekday work hours. Investing in a smart thermostat will allow you to control temperatures in specific areas and at specific times of day. Look for models with features like:

• Remote Access: Adjust temperatures from your smartphone to ensure you’re only heating occupied areas.

• Zoning Capabilities: Set unique temperatures in different rooms. For instance, keeping bedrooms cooler at night can improve sleep while saving on energy.

• Learning Features: Many smart thermostats learn your habits, adjusting heating patterns based on occupancy and timing, which can be particularly useful in larger spaces.

3. Upgrade Insulation

If you haven’t checked your home’s insulation in a while, there’s no better time to do it than in the fall. Focus on:

• Attics and Basements: These spaces often account for significant heat loss. Quality insulation in attics and basements provides a strong barrier against the cold.

• Walls and Floors: Especially for older homes, upgrading wall and floor insulation can help maintain a steady indoor temperature.

4. Use Heavy Curtains or Insulated Drapes

Large windows can cause considerable heat loss, even if they’re double-paned. Insulated drapes or heavy curtains help retain warmth. To maximize natural heat, keep curtains open during sunny hours and close them at night to create an additional barrier against the chill. You might also consider investing in two sets of curtains for your windows—one in a thicker, insulated material for winter and the other in a lighter material for summer. 

5. Service Your Furnace and HVAC System

Before winter hits, it’s wise to have a professional HVAC inspection to ensure your heating system is running efficiently. This can involve:

• Changing Filters: Clean filters reduce strain on the system and improve overall air quality.

• Inspecting Ductwork: In large homes, duct leaks can lead to energy waste. Sealing any gaps will prevent heat loss.

• Checking Thermostat Accuracy: Make sure your thermostat is calibrated correctly to avoid over- or under-heating your home.

6. Add Area Rugs on Bare Floors

If your large home has hardwood or tile floors, area rugs will provide extra insulation (and keep your toes from freezing). Rugs not only make rooms feel warmer underfoot but also reduce heat loss from the floor, allowing your heating system to work less.

7. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely

Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer—by setting them to spin clockwise on low, they’ll push warm air downwards, which is particularly useful in rooms with high ceilings. This small adjustment can lead to more even heating, reducing the workload on your system.

8. Unblock Heating Vents and Radiators

When positioning furniture or curtains, make sure you aren’t covering up any vents or radiators. In a larger home, even small blockages can lead to uneven heating, as the system works harder to reach all areas. Keep pathways clear so heat can circulate freely throughout the space.

9. Limit Fireplace Use

While a roaring fire is certainly a way to keep yourself warm and add ambiance to a space, fireplaces aren’t the most efficient heating source, particularly in larger homes. Fireplaces draw warm air up the chimney, so unless it’s a gas fireplace designed for efficiency, limit its use on particularly cold days when heating efficiency matters most.

10. Set Up a Home Energy Audit

Knowledge is power, and knowing where heat loss and energy waste are occurring in your home can help you make informed decisions about energy efficiency. Hire an energy professional to conduct a home energy audit, which will help identify insulation needs and minor fixes that can yield big savings. Especially in large homes, even small leaks and gaps can amount to significant energy loss and wasted dollars.

For more expert tips on maintaining your property or preparing for your next home investment, contact Iron Works Realty today.