Make Your Home Warm & Inviting
Hygge is a Danish term (pronounced "hoo-gah") that roughly translates to a feeling of pleasant coziness and comfort. It has become a popular trend in the US in recent years. As we enter into the coldest months of the year, many people are looking for ways to make their indoor spaces welcoming and comfortable. Hygge is more than a design aesthetic, and there is a lot we can do to make our homes cozier without breaking the bank.
At Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we are all about cozy. Taking our cues from the Danes, we consider how your home's heating and cooling system intersect with, and support the concept of, hygge. Keep reading for a few ways your HVAC system can help you achieve hygge this winter.
Crank Up the Heat
A major part of achieving hygge is making your home warm and inviting. The ideal heat setting is 68°F. This will keep your home from being frigid while keeping your energy consumption reasonable and your utility bills down. If you still feel cool, invest in some soft, fluffy blankets and socks. Bundling up on the couch with a loved one and a hot beverage is the ultimate in hygge.
Inconsistent temperatures or a broken thermostat can make getting comfortable in your home nearly impossible. If you find that your heating system is struggling to maintain this temperature, or if there are hot and cold spots in your home, reach out to our heating experts for service.
Unplug & Disconnect
Just as it's not just a look, hygge also isn't just a feeling. The concept of hygge emphasizes togetherness and spending quality time either with yourself or with your loved ones. As the day winds down, try to unplug from your phone and other screens and turn to a good book or perhaps a board game with your family. Listening to music or working on handicrafts can also help you unwind after a long day and prepare for a good night's sleep.
To make this easier, you can work to automate as much of your home as possible. Consider installing a smart thermostat that allows you to set up a heating and cooling schedule. This way, you don't have to worry about turning down your heat in the evening. Many smart thermostats on the market also have learning technology, and over time will self-schedule based on your habits. This way, you can stay warm and comfortable without having to pick up your phone or interrupt quality time with your family.
Don't Forget About Humidity
Many people are surprised to learn how much their comfort is affected by their home's humidity levels. Air with more moisture in it often feels warmer than dry air. Additionally, dry air can exacerbate your allergies, make your skin feel dry and itchy, and increase static electricity. All of this can disrupt those hygge vibes you've been working so hard to achieve.
Both your heater and the cold air outside can all contribute to dryer air inside. If this is a problem you are dealing with, consider reaching out to one of our indoor air quality specialists at Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We offer a wide range of solutions, including humidifiers that can return moisture to the air and make your home more comfortable.
Enjoy Some Natural Light
Another way to achieve hygge is bringing as much natural light as possible into your home. Because winter days are short, our homes can start to feel like dark caves, making us feel down and depressed. It can also make our homes feel stuffy. Try opening your blinds and curtains during the day and enjoy the softer sunshine of winter. However, in doing so, you may notice that there is cool air coming in around your windows, and your home feels colder or drafty with your blinds open. This is a sign that your window insulation isn't what it should be. Sometimes we don't notice this because our curtains and blinds can act as another layer of insulation. However, poor insulation means that your heater must run longer and more often to keep your home warm. If you notice this is a problem, consider investing in better, energy-efficient windows. Not only will they help your heater work better in the winter, but they will also help your AC run more efficiently in the summer.