Beating the Cold When Your House is Old

It’s my dream to one day own an older house. As a self-confessed history geek, I would love to own either a 1930’s house or a Victorian terrace sometime in the future. I have no plans to move yet, of course, as Sonny and I have only just got settled in my first home – but maybe one day!

There are so many things to love about living in an older house. The gorgeous, vintage mouldings and wallpaper, the amazing woodwork, the hardwood floors, those timeless, stately fireplaces…

…but as with any good thing, there are always a few negatives. 

Older homes tend to be cold and drafty, especially if you live in a locale with harsh winters. No matter how much you try, it seems like there’s always a draft, your feet are always ice cold, and your power bill is nausea-inducing from running the thermostat and space heaters constantly. Surely there has to be a way to heat your house without spending a fortune?

Luckily, there are a few tips for how to warm things up a bit in your older home; tricks that won’t cost a fortune and will have you feeling toasty in no time. 

“Smart” Heaters and other Eco-friendly Heating

Space heaters are well and dandy, but they use up tons and tons of electricity, resulting in a huge power bill, plus they can be a hazard. One accident or electrical short and you’ve got a fire on your hands. Not to mention, they often stop working at the most inopportune times. 

These days, there are several more eco-friendly, energy-saving and “smart” heaters on the market that work on timers, have built in thermostats, and distribute heat more efficiently, to heat your home more thoroughly. Some of these run on a mixture of oil or gas along with electricity, to provide more of an overall heating in your house. Some have fans to help distribute the heat. While these heaters cost slightly more, they will save you money in the long run and pay for themselves in short order. It’s a small price to pay for safety and warmth.

Best Blankets

We’ve come a long way from thin fleece and cushy blankets that are soft but don’t provide much insulation. Weighted blankets are a great option – while they are often used for issues with insomnia, anxiety or ADHD, they moonlight as a great source for warmth. They are heavy and cozy and will keep you toasty all night long. 

There are lots of new blankets on the market in a wide variety of warm materials that are as durable as they are warm. You can buy both online and in store, so you’re spoiled for choice. 

Heated Floors 

If you can afford to do a little remodeling, many people are getting into upgrades like under floor heating, heated towel racks, and more. You’d be surprised at how affordable it actually is to install heated tiles in your bathroom. And it’ll be worth every penny when you step out of the shower on a cold, frosty morning to find the floor heated to perfection under your feet. 

Smart Thermostat

Heating and Air Tech has come a long way in recent years. If your electrical bill is off the charts, consider hiring an HVAC company to install a new “smart” thermostat. Some electric companies even offer discounts or incentives if you do. You’ll save a ton of money and your house will be so much warmer. 

These are just a few great ways to heat up your old house. Never suffer with cold feet in the winter again!