Keep Your House Warm & Cozy Without Adjusting The Thermostat With This Tip

Did you know heating your home in the winter months is one of the most expensive uses of electricity? HVAC systems can make up between 40 to 50% of total electricity cost. So, having alternatives to maintain warm temperatures inside could be an integral part of reducing your energy costs. Even minimal amounts of warmth from appliances can add up – leaving the door open on your oven after cooking a meal or the dryer door open after a load of laundry — can help you stay warm and cozy in your home during winter. Another way of warming your home without adjusting the thermostat is by taking advantage of the steam from your shower.

Using hot steam from your shower is a valuable tool for maintaining warmth in your home because steam is a heat conductor with a higher heat-carrying capacity. Plus, steamy, moist air is also good for your respiratory health, and it helps with issues like asthma and congestion. The benefits are numerous when you give your home's heat a little boost with shower steam.

In preparation for your shower, leave the door open to the bathroom so all the steam can permeate the spaces elsewhere. You don't want to turn the exhaust fan on while you're showering either, as it will draw that steamy warmth up and out of the house. Since there are numerous health benefits from a good steamy setup, take some deep breaths and enjoy the time you're not just warming your house, but also taking care of your body.

In keeping your house cozy, you can't forget the advantages of how steam adds humidity. Although too much can be harmful, a certain amount is essential in your house to keep you healthy and your home from developing poor air quality. The air in the winter has less humidity to begin with, which is why you could end up with nosebleeds, staticky hair, and chapped lips, so creating an environment where you can warm the house and add moisture will benefit you in a myriad of ways.

Apart from all the benefits that the warming steam can impart, the moisture from your shower's steam can have some downsides if you're not careful. First, there is the issue of mold and mildew growth if moisture builds up without proper ventilation. You can develop health issues from prolonged exposure to mold, such as respiratory issues, skin rashes, brain fog, headaches, fatigue, and worsening allergies. Long-term mold and mildew buildup can cause structural problems for your home as well. For example, the timber framing that supports the walls and ceiling, such as the studs, joists, and beams, can rot, while the drywall that covers the framing may eventually crumble. This rotting can also cause your floors or ceilings to sag and warp, in severe cases. 

To counterbalance these potential downfalls, knowing the best way to vent a bathroom can save you and your home from future complications. Having the door open while you shower is going to be helpful in keeping mold and mildew from accumulating, since this allows more air flow around the bathroom. Making sure you utilize your exhaust fan after you've showered is going to help air flow as well, drawing lingering moist air out. Make sure you're regularly cleaning your bathroom fan too, so you can enjoy the warmth of your shower's steam without compromise.