How to Make Your Home Warmer

As winter approaches and temperatures drop, I'm noticing cold air around the base of my kitchen cabinets and around the windows and doors. I live in a rented townhouse apartment, and I can only do so much to make my home warmer without turning up the heat. I really don't want to turn up the heat and increase the budget plan amount I'm currently paying, so I've decided to do anything I can to make my home warmer this winter without going further into debt.

Drapes Can Make a Big Difference

On very cool mornings when I open the drapes in my rented townhouse apartment, I'm surprised by how cold it is between the drapery and the glass. The windows are mounted on very shallow dormers, and with the window frames up against the sides of the walls, mounting the drapery hardware outside of the insets seemed to be the best option. It's amazing how much warmer the drapes make the upstairs rooms, and they're like a blanket for the windows.

Consider investing in insulated drapery to make your home warmer this winter, but any type of drapery is better than none. I purchased simple woven panels from Wal-Mart, and each set was around $15.00. Besides blocking out the morning light, they do an excellent job of keeping my home warmer, and they were well worth the money. Take a look at my article on cheap drapery ideas to find out more about these particular drapes that greatly helped make my home feel warmer while adding designer appeal.

Stop the Drafts With Plastic Window Film

This is my first winter in my rented townhouse apartment, but I'm considering buying plastic window film to keep out the drafts. The windows are original to the building, and they're not double or triple-pane, and they certainly aren't energy efficient. While standing next to the closed windows I can feel cold drafts, and with the cold and breezy Chicago-area winters, plastic window film would be a wise investment. For a few dollars I'll be able to stop drafts and make my home warmer without spending a lot of money. Check your local discount store, hardware store, or home improvement store to find plastic window film that will help make your home warmer during colder months.