During the cold, dark days of winter, you want your home to be a warm and cozy gathering place for family and friends. Turning up the thermostat is not the only ─ or even the best ─ way to do that. Let’s look at some ways you can use a dash of 21st century style and technology to add a touch of old-fashioned warmth to your home.
Warmer and Easier
We love fireplaces when the weather is cold and snowy or rainy and raw. Not only is a fireplace a sought-after feature that adds to a home’s value, it’s never been easier ─ or more energy-efficient ─ to have one.
Older wood-burning fireplaces are inefficient, compromise your indoor air quality, and create dust. They actually suck the warm air out and send it up the chimney. Today’s gas fireplace inserts are a smarter choice. They warm the room and burn very cleanly, can be turned on or off instantly and produce natural-color flames. There are now even more options open when considering where to put a gas fireplace. For example, a double-sided fireplace can be used as a room divider, warming both the family room and the dining room.
Warmer and Brighter
Energy-efficient windows make it possible to bring in more light by swapping out small windows for larger areas of glass, but still keep your home comfortable and save money on energy costs. High-performance windows provide warmer interior surfaces during the winter (and cooler interior surfaces during the summer), so your home always feels just right.
If you’re replacing windows, you should also consider replacing exterior doors, choosing the latest energy-saving products for both. Today’s exterior doors and frames look better, fit better and are better insulated, compared to older conventional doors.
Warmer and Smarter
Many people use Amazon’s Alexa to play music or get the weather forecast. But did you know that many appliance manufacturers have added Alexa connectivity to a broad range of products, including refrigerators, wall ovens, ranges, and more? With voice-activated controls, you can preheat the oven or check on the internal temperature of a roast while it’s cooking.
A smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature setting at certain times of the day is great for comfort and energy efficiency. It can even learn your preferences and your schedule every time you adjust the temperature. Before you know it, it’s programmed itself to maintain your comfort or change the temperature when it detects no one is home.
Warmer and More Pampered
Adding more warmth to the master bath will increase your appreciation of a relaxing bath or shower. Imagine the pampering feel of a shower system with voice-activated tech that can turn on the water and bring it to your preferred temperature automatically.
A ventless electric fireplace can be installed in any room of your home, so why not one in the bath? Radiant floors, heated towel bars and remote-controlled heated toilet seats are the most luxurious touches that eliminate bathroom chill.
We’re Ready When You Are!
We’re rested and ready to go for the New Year, and we’re eager to talk to you about what you may have found lacking in your home as you were busy entertaining and concentrating on your family in December. We can talk about specific things that will warm up your home, as well as a big-picture vision of how you’d like it to look and feel.
Tell us what’s at the top of your list, then leave the hard work to us! It will be the best New Year’s Resolution you ever made!