Home Heating Tips: Best practices & products for keeping your home warm & cozy

As the temperatures drop in Montana, staying warm during the winter months becomes vital. Not only is it important for your comfort, but ensuring your home is properly heated and insulated can help you save on energy costs while keeping the cold out. With a bit of preparation, you can winterize your home and make it a cozy haven.

At Owenhouse Ace Hardware, we have everything you need to get your home ready Whether you’re sealing drafts, maximizing your heating system’s efficiency, or finding the perfect products to keep you cozy, our experts are here to help.

Tip #1: Insulate to Keep the Heat In

Insulating your home is one of the most important steps you can take to keep warm during the winter and reduce energy loss. Heat commonly escapes through windows, doors, and attics, leading to higher heating bills and colder indoor temperatures. Before the cold sets in, make sure you check these areas for drafts and seal them properly. Simple solutions like weather stripping and draft stoppers can make a big difference in keeping the cold air out!

Tip #2: Maximize Your Heating System’s Efficiency

Your heating system works hard during the winter, but a few simple maintenance tasks can make sure it’s running at peak efficiency.

Start by scheduling a check-up for your furnace to make sure it’s in good working order. If you know it’s running well, you can do the routine maintenance, like cleaning or replacing furnace filters, on your own! This home heating tip can help extend the life of your system and ensure it’s working as efficiently as possible.

A smart thermostat is a great addition to your home because it allows you to schedule heating times and temperatures, meaning your system only works when it’s needed. This can help reduce your heating bill while keeping your home comfortable.

Tip #3: Supplement with Space Heaters

Space heaters can be a great way to add extra warmth to specific areas of your home without having to rely entirely on your central heating system. There are several types of space heaters, each designed for different rooms and heating needs. For example, electric space heaters are perfect for quick bursts of warmth in smaller spaces like bathrooms, where you need heat to kick on and turn off quickly. For larger spaces like bedrooms, oil-filled space heaters are a better option. They take longer to heat up but provide long-lasting warmth.

If you have any questions or need assistance picking the best heater for your home, our team at Owenhouse Ace Hardware is here to help!

Tip #4: Have a Fireplace? Use it!

If you have a fireplace or a pellet stove, winter is the perfect time to make the most of it. Not only does a fireplace provide a cozy atmosphere, but it’s also an efficient way to heat your home.

Set up your cozy corner with the essentials. If you have a traditional fireplace, we love energy logs —no chopping needed! You can grab a pallet from Owenhouse Ace.

If you have a pellet stove, stock up on wood pellets to keep your fire crackling on cold days. Of course, you can’t skimp on essential safety tools like a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors. We also recommend getting a nice blanket and maybe even a book to snuggle up with next to the fireplace.

 Tip #5: Cozy Yourself UP!

Finally, it’s not just your home that needs to stay warm—you do too! Layering up indoors with cozy sweaters, blankets, and even heated clothing can help you stay comfortable without having to crank up the thermostat.

Products like Rumpl blankets, Milwaukee heated jackets, and hand and foot warmers are great options for keeping warm, whether you’re lounging around the house or venturing outside for winter chores.

Stay Cozy All Winter with Owenhouse Ace!

Preparing for winter doesn’t have to be difficult, and with the right products and advice, you can ensure your home is warm, cozy, and energy-efficient all season long.

Whether you need insulation, furnace filters, space heaters, or a simple cozy blanket, Owenhouse Ace Hardware has everything you need to winterize your home and stay comfortable in even the coldest Montana temperatures.

Our team is always here to help with expert advice and product recommendations—so stop by and let us help you make your home winter-ready!