It’s been a freakin’ long day at work, and you'd love to get home and relax. It’s already dark outside, and there's a chill in the air. Then it hits you: Your Indoor space feels more like a dank cave than a welcoming oasis. Depressing.
You don’t have to succumb to the winter blahs. Just implement a few of these ideas, and you’ll be warm and comfy inside until winter’s worst blows over.
#1 Clean Your Light Fixtures and Bulbs
Your home will appear brighter — without turning on more lights. Dust, dirt, and debris accumulate on the surfaces of LED fixtures and bulbs over time, obstructing the light output and contributing to higher energy costs, according to GE Lighting. Not only that, but dirty bulbs are more likely to overheat, and that can reduce the lifespan of your light fixtures, says GE. Regular cleaning helps your lighting look and function better, and contributes to energy savings.
Related: Did You Know Dirty Bulbs Are Energy Wasters?
#2 Keep the Cold Air Out
Window and door leaks aren't the only things killing your cozy vibe. Don’t forget to plug stealthy gaps around recessed lights, electrical boxes, and wall outlets. Use a lit incense stick or scented candle to hunt down drafty spots while leaving behind a cozy scent.
#3 Dig Out Your Slow Cooker
Nothing says warm and cozy like opening the door to an enticing aroma that makes your mouth water. Even better, slow cookers use only 150 to 450 watts of energy, significantly less than the 2,000 to 5,000 watts used by electric ovens.
#4 Bring Home Some Nature
Many indoor plants, like golden pothos and gerbera daisies, are particularly adept at sucking up nasty volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, the vapors emitted from household cleaners, paints, and dry cleaning. And since plants increase humidity levels, they help decrease household dust.
#5 Vacuum With Your Thermostat Fan On
Run the fan to help filter dust that gets kicked up while cleaning. Leave it on for about 15 minutes after you finish vacuuming, and switch it back to “auto” afterward. HVAC blowers aren’t intended to run all the time.
#6 Change the Furnace / AC Filter
Change your filter every couple months (monthly if you have pets) to prevent excess dust and allergens from circulating. All that bad air just gets you down and can even cause health problems.
#7 Let the Sunlight In (It’ll Make You Happy)
Clean your windows. Sparkling glass not only lets more natural light into your home, but also makes you feel good. Eighty-seven percent of Americans feel their best mentally and physically when they have a clean home, according to survey data released by the American Cleaning Institute.
#8 Put Your Window Screens Into Hibernation
They trap dirt and can make your home appear darker inside and out. Screenless windows also boost curb appeal.
#9 Add an Interior Window
If you have a that’s next to a sun-drenched space, putting a window in the shared wall will let the natural light in.