The thermostat says it’s 20 degrees, but your fingers and toes are frozen stiff. Don’t ignore what your body is telling you! This may be more than simple sensitivity to cold: a difference between the apparent temperature and the perceived temperature may be an indication that there is an underlying issue with your home.
Before winter really sets in, all homeowners would benefit from inspecting their residence to ensure no problems have developed that could make it uncomfortable for the occupants.
THE POTENTIAL CAUSES
If all the occupants feel chilly, you can probably eliminate any reasons related to your personal health, such as poor blood circulation or dehydration. Your home itself may be cold because of several structural issues:
The Walls Are Too Cold
Place your hand on the walls, floors and ceilings. Are they icy? If the thermostat is set to 21oC, but exterior facing surfaces are in fact at 14oC, that is the ambient temperature your body perceives. Brrr!
The Humidity Is Too High
Humidity also makes cold air feel colder. Indoor humidity should be maintained between 40% and 60% for optimum comfort. Any higher and the perceived temperature will be approximately 4oC below what the thermostat indicates.
Cold Air Is Seeping in From the Outside
Drafty or broken windows and doors let outside air in, and the cold with it.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION
Once you’ve identified why your home feels so cold, the next steps are to solve the problem at its source. This may include:
- Replacing doors and windows with energy-efficient models
- Re-insulating the roof, attic and exterior walls
- Finding the root cause of the moisture and completing repairs (water infiltration, poor ventilation, leaking roof, waterproofing problems, etc.)
- Repairing the roof and gutters
Quick Fixes While You Plan Your Renovation (or if You Can’t Renovate)
Are you a tenant or just can’t afford to carry out the necessary work at the moment? For the time being, use the following tips to help your home feel warmer:
- Add textiles, like rugs, pillows and throws.
- Purchase curtains in a thick fabric, such as velvet.
- Remember to close the curtains at night.
- Use a dehumidifier.
- Plug in a space heater.
- Install carpet in the rooms dedicated to rest and lounging (bedrooms and living room).
- Hang wallpaper.
- Improve ventilation with an air exchanger, or at the very least, with floor and ceiling fans.
- Take advantage of the sun’s rays. During the day, open the curtains and keep the windows clear.
Are you about to acquire an older house or condo and are afraid that you may end up with a structurally deficient real property? Don’t hesitate to voice your concerns to the expert who will carry out the pre-purchase inspection. If they uncover any insulation or humidity issues, you can ask the current owners to undertake renovations to rectify the situation before you move in. A broker can guide you through this negotiation process.
The moral of the story is that it might not just be you. A home that always feels cold may be the tip of a much larger iceberg. Investigate to find out what is causing the problem and which repairs are needed. In the meantime, put on your slippers, bundle up in a blanket and pour yourself a cup of your favourite hot beverage!