How can you warm brick houses in winter?

Hi, Willidean,

Open all draperies in daytime, and keep windows spotless to admit more light. At night, use curtains and heavy fabric draw draperies that extend past the window frames by 4-6", and overlap in the center. They should be mounted at least 4-6" above top of window frame, and should barely touch the floor. The closer the draperies are to the window, the less the cold air will be noticeable. Make the draperies wrap to the sides of the window with rods having "returns", or use clips.

Caulk all windows and doors as needed to prevent drafts. Install a storm door and a fiberglass door with a well fitted gasket. Install foam covers behind all electric outlets on outside walls to block drafts.

Think about purchasing wall to wall rugs with good rug pads for each area. Mount tapestries on walls where warranted, or hang quilts.

Upholstered furniture holds heat better than glass or metal.

If rooms are still cold, you may need to invest in down comforters, woolen blankets, or a high efficiency furnace, while having ductwork checked for leaks.

Make sure you're sealed leaks along your basement sill plate, garage door/basement door, etc. Wrap insulating foam on water pipes, as warranted.

Check your kitchen, at the toe kick area below base cabinets for air leaks and seal, if needed. Open bas cabinets and check for air leaks.

You can add attic insulation, while sealing all cracks and around electrical areas in the attic. Make sure attic entry door seals tightly.

Sun will also heat the bricks if get direct sunlight. Mat want to trim back trees for winter but keep enough for shade in summer.

Olivia you covered it all. Except you can put insulated drapes or back out curtains behind your drapes or blinds. JoAnns always has a 50%off coupon on insulated fabric. Youonly have to put in a top hem to use.

Hi Willidean. Brick houses can hold heat well. It's all the little places where cold air comes in that is the problem. Light a candle and wave it past your window frames, doors, and your attic access. If you see the light on the candle flicker, you know that a draft is right there. These drafts are the locations that need your attention. You can seal your windows with 3M's window kits. You can add more insulation in your attic space. And you can make and use draft stoppers for the bottom of your doors. Good luck Willidean. Hoping all is well with you.

Hello,

Willidean Green,

Insulate the walls and the roof and the floors! That said Central Heating, Gas/electric or oil/coal will all do the job. Carpets on the floor and thick curtains.

Fix all draft areas around windows and doors. These ideas should help!

Here's a post that might help - https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-keep-your-home-warm-this-winter-34464

Insulation and eliminating air drafts is always the first step.

Here are some tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2eCGqA6G7Y

wood burning stove! We have one and nothing beats it - cheap source of heat and you can have your home as warm as you want it!

Insulation is key. Check windows and doors to make sure they are caulked Hang thermal curtains.

Fireplace,put some area rugs down use insulated curtains

Do you have insulation in your attic? If not that will help a lot. Also, insulated curtains is a cheap way to keep the cold from coming side. Here is a post I wrote about it.

https://lifeonsummerhill.com/curtains-that-keep-the-cold-out/

Doors

Doors are notorious for letting in cold air, so consider covering doors with long curtains to eliminate heat loss. If the bottom sill is the issue, invest in a draft-minimizing foot stop.

Window Curtains

It might seem obvious, but keep curtains open during the day to allow sunshine to naturally heat rooms, and close them at night to reduce heat loss through the glass and sills.

Wooden Screens or Blinds

If you have wooden screens or blinds on your windows, now is the time to close them.

Cover Walls

Solid brick walls are excellent insulators by themselves, but if you cover your walls with framed pictures or mirrors, they can actually help conduct energy. Tapestries, fabric wall coverings, and bookshelves filled with books are even better.

Position Furniture

Your personal comfort and warmth can feel different depending on where you’re located in a room, even though the air temperature is the same. You’ll feel a lot warmer if you’re positioned in the center of the room rather than near an exterior wall, so try to place furniture accordingly.