Natural Ways to Heat Your Home and Stay Cozy Inside This Winter

In many places, people are really feeling the effects of winter and spending more time indoors where it’s warm and cozy. But heating a home can really add up in terms of utility bills and also take a significant toll on the environment.

Here are some ideas for heating your home naturally for a comfortable and sustainable winter season.

Geothermal Heating

Geothermal heating systems require an initial investment but are eco-friendly and efficient for heating a home. The system is installed underground to utilize the earth’s temperature, which is warmer than the outside air temperature, to produce heat. This is a pricey way to go for residential heating but worth looking at if you want to increase the resale value of your home or if you plan to stay in your house for at least seven or eight years to recoup the upfront costs.

Solar Heating

Solar power is a great choice for efficiently heating a home and channeling the powerful energy of the sun. One type of solar heating systems involves heating liquid in a hydronic collector, while another type uses solar energy to heat the air. Like geothermal heating, this option requires an upfront investment but will ensure that you don’t have to pay heating bills in the future once the solar system is up and working.

Pellet Stoves

If you want to go green on a budget, look into pellet stoves to heat your home in the winter. The pellets are typically made from switch grass, sawdust, and other renewable resources that might otherwise go to waste. It is eco-friendlier to burn these pellets than wood because they emit fewer pollutants into the air. The pellets tend to be more affordable than firewood too. Larger homes may need more than one pellet stove to cover the square footage.

Invest in Insulation

Even if you aren’t able to overhaul your current heating system, there are things you can to do make your home more energy efficient and warmer in the winter. So much heat is wasted in homes because of air leaks in the roof, walls, and around doors and windows. Check the insulation in your attic and fill any holes around your home to prevent air drafts. It is also helpful to caulk around window frames and to place an insulated draft-stopper in front of doors to stop the cold air flow.

More Tips for a Naturally Warm Winter Home

Place more rugs on the floor
Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to move warm air downward
Leave the oven door open after baking
Consider underfloor heating with natural stone
Get a programmable thermostat to adjust heating based on your schedule
Buy a masonry heater for compact rooms