Many people’s ways of working changed over the past few years, from heading to the office daily to working from home. This ha also brought about a trickle-down effect that has seen families spending much more time at home in general. Spending more time at home is a good thing. It definitely saves money over seeking outside entertainment and dining, and it builds a warm sense of family. Making your home as comfortable and healthy as possible is the key to getting the most out of the time you spend there.
There are some simple things you can do to make your home feel comfortable while keeping the health of your family in mind.
Efficient Heating/Cooling
Keep your home a comfortable temperature. Working from home means having the opportunity to turn your air conditioning or heating off while you’re at work during the bulk of the day, then setting your thermostat to kick on an hour before you arrive home no longer exists. This is the way many had controlled high energy bills. When you’re home all day, your heating or air conditioning will need to be running around the clock to keep everyone comfortable throughout the day and night.
Having an HVAC system that is working at optimal efficiency is vital to keep those energy bills as low as possible. If your system is not heating to the set temperature and is having to run constantly, there is likely an issue that needs to be addressed. A HVAC Contractor can check out your heating and cooling system and give you an assessment of it’s performance. Hopefully, if there are issues, they can be repaired cheaply. You’ll recover the repair costs back over the course of several months of lower energy bills.
Your windows could also be part of the problem. If there are gaps around your window frames, then you’ll feel draughty in the winter and too hot during the summertime. Speak to your local windows replacement company for some quotes. You will also save money on heating and AC bills when you have energy efficient windows that fit correctly. It’s worth the investment.
Invest in Ergonomic Furniture
If it looks like your work from home situation will be ongoing, it’s worth the investment in good quality ergonomic furniture; especially your chair. You spend a lot of time sitting, and it can take a toll on your body. Be sure to stand frequently, at least once an hour. Be sure the desk or table your using is at the correct height for your arms to be in the best typing position. Your elbows should be bent at about a 90 degree angle; with your hands slightly lower than the elbows. An ergonomic desk will help you achieve this angle so you can minimize the chance of workplace injuries such as repetitive strain injury.
We have to use our keyboards and computer mouse hours a day. Be sure they keep your hands and wrists at the best angle to avoid any injury. This seems like such a small thing, but over time, these types of injuries can often require surgery to repair. Take care your yourself.
Keep Your Drains Flowing
It is very important that the drains in your home function as they are intended to in order to create a comfortable and hygienic living environment. Regular drain clearing helps prevent clogs that could otherwise lead to unpleasant odors, slow water drainage and costly repairs. Keeping your home’s drains free of debris also means your sinks, showers and plumbing systems operate efficiently without disrupting your daily routines. When you take steps to address minor blockages early and clearing debris build-up from forming, your home will feel cleaner than ever.
Use Blankets and Throws
As I mentioned before, it can be expensive trying to keep your home warm in winter months and cool in summer. Many are trying to cut down on those recurring bills by keeping homes warmer in summer and cooler in winter. Since we’re in the middle of the colder months, having soft blankets and throws on hand not only warms you up in a chilly house, but also gives a sense of comfort and relaxation.
You cannot discount the aesthetic appeal of blankets and throws as well. If you have a neutral pallet in your home, blankets, throws, and pillows can completely change the look of a room. Take a chance on bold colors in addition to your more neutral base colors. Deep gem colors can make a room look inviting and rich. Try deep emeralds, garnets, and amethysts to give a luxury feel to your space. It will give your room a new look, plus add that actual warmth on movie nights or just relaxing evenings by the fireplace.
Adding small decor items like live greenery, and fresh flowers can also brighten up any room. Green plants also improve the air inside your home. A few area rugs and pretty lamps also give each room a feeling of warmth and comfort. These small touches are easy and inexpensive to add, but the impact can make a big difference.
