Why Is My Living Room Cold?

If you or your family members notice a cold living room when the weather gets chilly outside, there are steps to take to help make it more comfortable and cozier. Many older homes, and even some new ones, have this common issue, and the solutions to a cold space are often easy and affordable.

Here are the things our home improvement experts recommend you investigate if your home feels uncomfortable and cold when the weather turns nasty outside.

Not Enough Insulation

One of the most common reasons why a house feels too cold in the fall and winter is due to not enough insulation. There should be ample insulation in the walls that face the exterior. The attic should also have plenty of insulation to help protect the home from the coldest drafts and winter weather temperatures.

Checking the attic to see if there is enough insulation is simple. According to most experts, there should be insulation covering the tops of the joists. Homes in colder climates may need more insulation. Before checking your attic’s insulation level, be sure to review an insulation climate zone map to determine how much you really need.

Poorly Sealed Windows and Doors

Another cause of a cold living room is if the windows and doors don’t have proper weatherproofing. It’s essential to make sure there are no gaps in your windows and doors allowing frigid air to leak inside of your home.

Sometimes, all you need is a fresh application of caulk along the edges of the windows and doors throughout the home. Another option is to use foam tape along the gaps of the windows or on the bottom of the sash. If the window frame wood looks rotted, it may be time to replace the windows and get something more energy efficient.

If a draft comes in under the door, a new door sweep can help keep the cold out. You may also use weatherstripping material along the sides of the door to keep the cold airs from coming inside.

The Wrong Thermostat Device

Your thermostat may be a culprit in keeping your living spaces too cold for your comfort. Consider replacing your decades-old thermostat with something more modern and efficient. There are many thermostat options on the market today that allow you to customize the comfort in your home and get a more consistent temperature.

One of the most popular efficient models is the smart programmable thermostat. This gives you the power to set a heating and cooling schedule that matches your schedule and the weather conditions outside, and also allows you to control the programming from your phone or computer.

Insufficient Window Treatments

If you have lots of large, gorgeous windows, you’ll need to find the right combination of window treatments that let the sunshine in and keep the cold air out.

Cellular shades make a great window treatment choice to give you flexibility with letting in the light from the sun while also protecting your interior from the cold. The warmth of the sun helps keep the temperature inside more comfortable.

Another option is to choose drapes or curtains for your windows. When it’s sunny, open up the curtains or drapes to bring in the light during the day. At night, it’s best to close them to keep everything warm and cozy inside.

Lack of Fireplace Weatherproofing

A beautiful fireplace may add lots of visual appeal to your home’s layout, but if it doesn’t have the proper weatherproofing, you’ll feel the cold.

A simple fix is to remember to close the flue when the fireplace isn’t in use. Another way to deal with a drafty fireplace is to schedule a chimney sweep or cleaning and to get an expert to look at the structure and make sure there isn’t any damage.

Gaps in the Roof

The final place to direct your attention to when troubleshooting a cold home is your roof. An older roof that has damage or needs replacement may inadvertently let heat and cold weather into the home. To determine if your roof has issues, it’s best to get a roof inspection every year from a qualified professional.

A roof contracting company will inspect the roof for holes or damage that could leave your home exposed to the air outside. Some problems may only need a simple repair or patch to help stop the temperature fluctuations throughout the home.

It’s also a good idea to schedule regular gutter cleanings for your home to help maintain your roof and structure. Gutters collect a lot of debris throughout the year, and overflowing gutters may lead to problems with the roof over time.  Cleaning them out regularly keeps them doing their job and protecting your home, and installing gutter guards can eliminate the problem.

You don’t need to live with a living room that is always cold and uncomfortable. Stop bundling up in your home and solve the problem. Get help from our remodeling contractors at Five Star Rated to keep your home toastier and more enjoyable this season.