How to keep the house warmer during the winter – 07/18/2023 – Equilibrium

In addition to taking the clothes out of the closet, the arrival of winter also means finding ways to make the house warmer and cozier.

A study carried out in the United Kingdom reveals that those who live in cold houses are more likely to report mental health problems. And the risk is three times greater for those who already have some type of disorder. The conclusion was that cold houses are an avoidable source of social harm, with significant health impacts.

It is important to remember that both environmental thermal conditions, which involve variables such as temperature and humidity, and individual factors (age and metabolism) must be taken into account when heating the house, says Renata De Vecchi, researcher at the Energy Efficiency Laboratory in UFSC buildings (Federal University of Santa Catarina) and specialist in thermal comfort.

Here are six tips to keep your home warmer in winter:

Invest in electronic devices and fireplaces

Air conditioning, wood burning fireplaces and dehumidifiers are always welcome. But, for those who want practicality without spending a lot of money, it is possible to invest in heaters and even portable fireplaces.

“Alcohol fireplaces are an excellent solution”, says architect Cláudia Pereira. “You don’t need to have a specific designated space, much less a chimney. There are options that you can even place on top of tables, it’s very tasty for the winter and gives a cozy feeling.”

Another trending idea is underfloor heating, he says. In order not to weigh on the electricity bill, placing it in small environments such as bathrooms is the best cost-benefit.

See doors and windows

Frames are elements used in doors and windows to close gaps. Among the advantages are the fence against the cold, rain and external noises. “It’s the way out for people who are very concerned about external noise and it already works for thermal insulation”, says Pereira.

If the desire is to install something on your own and have more flexibility, insulating films and crack sealing tapes are some options.

Seek help in decorating with rugs, blankets and pillows

Moving some furniture around and adding some pillows, blankets and rugs is an important step in making the house warmer and more cozy.

In the bedroom, the headboard helps keep your body away from contact with the wall, which will be cold on winter days. The most robust trousseau also comes into play: heavier bedding (duvet) and blankets on the armchair, foot of the bed and sofas.

Indispensable item in homes from decades ago, the architect says that many customers are opting for carpet.

“Not one or two customers wanted to put carpet in the rooms. The performance of the new vacuum cleaners and some professional washing equipment made people lose their fear, taking away that view that carpet is dirty and only attacks rhinitis” .

Leave the curtains open during the day and closed at night.

On cold days, it is essential to make the most of sunlight. That is, leave the curtains and blinds wide open. At night, the ideal is to keep them closed to avoid inverse thermal exchange.

North facing windows are the best for passively heating environments, taking advantage of that much-desired heat from the sun, which is at a lower altitude and focuses directly throughout the day. But it is important to remember that, even in winter, the sun in the north can overheat, says researcher De Vecchi.

Ventilate the room, but only as necessary

Ventilating the house is important, but not for long: five minutes a day is enough. The best time to do it is during the hottest part of the day, between 10am and 4pm, she says.

According to the expert, the best option is cross ventilation, with two or more openings (windows or doors) facing each other for fresh air to enter the space. As the biggest problem with high air humidity in winter is the proliferation of mites, fungi and molds, the ideal thing in rainy weeks is to use dehumidifiers or air conditioners to control humidity inside without having to open windows.

If possible, be flexible

As we live in a tropical country, which has a hot summer, the architectural project must be prepared for all seasons, allowing for the operation and adaptation of spaces throughout the year.

The greater the effort to keep the house warm in winter, the greater the difficulty in dispersing heat in summer.

“What we can do in a more seasonal way is to cover floors and walls with more cozy and warm fabrics that can be easily changed or stored”, says the specialist in thermal comfort.