A cold winter breeze infiltrating your home can chill you to your core. However, by making a few simple and cost-effective changes around your house, you can stay warm and cozy all winter long.

Install a smart thermostat

Adding a smart thermostat can not only improve the comfort of your home but also lower your energy costs. Some smart thermostats enable you to adjust your heating based on the time of day, allowing you to set a warmer temperature when you wake up or when you arrive home from work. Best of all, installing a smart thermostat can help you save up to 10 percent on monthly heating costs.

Check your ceiling fans

Your ceiling fans can be an effective way to distribute warm air throughout a room, especially in spaces with high ceilings. However, you need to make sure they are adjusted correctly. Your fans should run clockwise, as this will help push warmer air downward.

Put up heavy drapes or curtains

You should replace any thin curtains or drapes with heavier alternatives to help keep warm air inside your house and chilly winter air out. However, you should open the drapes and curtains of any south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to flow into your home and heat your space naturally. Just make sure to close your curtains and drapes at night, which can help reduce heat loss by 10 percent.

Examine your furnace filter regularly

You should clean or replace any filters for your furnace once a month or as the manufacturer recommends. If you have pets or several people living in your home, your filter may get dirty faster. Also, make sure to clean registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed.

Keep your ventilation ducts open

Placing furniture, carpeting, or drapes in front of your HVAC registers can reduce the effectiveness of your heating system and, depending on the heating system you have, become a fire hazard. If you moved furniture during the warmer months, check to see if it’s blocking the flow of heat in the room.

Use rugs

Rugs are not only a stylish addition to a room but also a practical one in winter. If you have rooms with hardwood, ceramic tile, or laminate flooring, placing rugs throughout the space adds a layer of insulation to help keep your feet warm this winter.

Make sure dampers are open

Some ductwork has dampers used to close off ducts and adjust airflow depending on the setting. So if one of the rooms of your home feels particularly cold, look for levers or dials in your ductwork to ensure the dampers are in the correct position.

Install door snakes

If there is a pesky draft coming from one of your exterior doors, a door snake may be able to put a stop to it. These weighted fabric tubes are placed at the base of doors to seal the gap and block cold air from entering your home. You can find door snakes at many major retailers, or you can find a guide online to make your own.

Close your chimney flue

While a wood-burning fireplace can warm your home, it can also allow heat to escape and lower the temperature. Ensure the chimney flue is closed when the fireplace is not in use to prevent warm air from leaving your home. However, always confirm that it is open before using your fireplace again. You can also purchase a fireplace plug to seal the flu.

In addition to cold temperatures, you may need to prepare your home for snow and ice this season. Use these tips to get your home ready for any winter storms you may face.