SOURCE: washingtonpost.com (edited)
When the weather turns cold as it has done, there is plenty you can accomplish indoors. Of course you can binge-watch something on Netflix, but that will only go so far. When you’ve run out of entertainment, why not take advantage of the time indoors to spruce up your home?
Here are just a few cold-weather projects you can tackle in just a day or two. As a bonus, some may even help you cut your utility bills.
Weatherstrip window and door cracks / Depending on the age of your home and how well it’s insulated, heating bills can skyrocket during the winter. The good news is that weatherstripping your doors, windows and other drafty areas will not only help keep you warm, but may also cut your winter heating bills, sometimes by more than 20 percent, according to the Energy Department.
• Choose the right material for the job
• Get the project done early in the season
Install a smart thermostat / Installing a smart thermostat to control HVAC settings from your phone is another way to cut your energy bills at home. The average household saves about $50 annually by swapping out an old thermostat with a smart model.
• A fairly straightforward project to accomplish in an afternoon
• If your HVAC is very old consider bringing in an electrician
Paint the fireplace / Painting a fireplace can transform the look of a room. The fireplace is a focal point and painting it is a small project that has a big impact.
• Identify your fireplace material and select an appropriate type of paint
• Select a paint product that can withstand high temperatures.”
For a smaller – but still impactful – project, paint just the fireplace mantel.
Replace kitchen hardware / It is tough to think of an easier kitchen upgrade than replacing cabinet handles and knobs. You get big visual change for relatively little time and investment.
• Take an existing piece of hardware when shopping for replacements to make sure you get the correct size.
Install a new shower head / If your shower head drips, it probably annoys you every day. Imagine how much better life could be if you replaced it. Swapping it out is a relatively easy DIY task, no plumber needed. It can also reduce your water consumption, depending on the type of shower head you choose.
• Use less water and place less demand on your water heater
Create a Gallery Wall / If you need inspiration for laying out your gallery wall, visit Pinterest for tons of inspirational ways to do it.
• To test your “layout,” cut newspaper into the size and shapes of your frames and tape them on the wall to see if the layout works for you
• For precision, use a laser level when hanging your photos or art pieces
Paint a Small Room / It will take less than a day to instantly make over a small room – such as a half-bathroom – with a fresh coat of paint.
• Prep work is key: Sand uneven surfaces, fill gaps and holes with caulk, and wipe the walls clean before painting
• Don’t forget to place drop cloths on the floors
