Keep warm in the winter with honeycomb cellular shades

As November comes to an end, homeowners across the country are starting to think about the best ways to keep a home insulated for the long, cold months of winter. Heating can be expensive, so that means that innovative methods for warming up a house can be beneficial and help keep costs down.

Most households may want to implement energy efficient practices, which means getting the most out of the heat being used, guaranteeing that none of it is wasted.

"Even with temperatures dropping like autumn leaves, it is still important to pay close attention to your energy efficiency during the fall and winter months," industry expert Bill Clayton told The Independent Mail.

Those with fireplaces may be tempted to use their hearths every chance they get, but it isn't actually the most effective way of keeping a home warm. Not only that, a chimney flue can be a source of drafts and also be a way for heat to escape the house.

Using the heating in a home as strategically and economically as possible is the best way to keep costs down. According to Clayton, for every degree above 70, heating costs increase by three or four percent.

Another device that many may not think about is the ceiling fan. Since hotter air rises to the top of the room, a gently twirling fan can send the warm temperature back to the ground level.

The St. Louis Post Dispatch reports that identifying the major leaks in a home's insulation is another way to stay on top of the heating bill. Most drafts are found in the attic or basement. Homeowners should examine insulation that appears dirty, because that means air has gotten through, and they should also look for exposed wiring.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the average American household uses 56 percent of its energy toward heating and cooling, making it the largest energy expense in a residence.

In fact, one of the best ways of keeping heat within a home is to ensure that windows are insulated with honeycomb cellular shades. Each cell will trap chilly air and prevent it from entering a home, while keeping heating indoors.

Additionally, these window treatments are aesthetically pleasing and are available in a number of different styles and colors that are sure to wow guests. Honeycomb cellular shades are smart investments for the summer as well, because they can block the sun and trap humidity while retaining air conditioning.