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September 2013
The Warm Sell
It's
September and you are selling you home entering into the fall and
winter months. With light dwindling and temperatures dropping,
evaluating your home with regard to warmth is a smart idea. Homes that
are warm in the winter (and cool in the summer) are highly desirable -
and achievable, if the savvy homeowner knows where to look and what to
do to control the interior environment.
When
showing a home in the fall and winter months, pay attention to how warm
you feel in the home, how the spaces are heated, how to control the
heat and moisture, the presence of natural light, and how warm they are
to the eye. When showing a home during these months, you will want to
ensure that the warming aspects of the home stand out.
The Obvious - How's it Heated?
Understanding
the heating system of a home is key information for many buyers. The
type of heating used is often dictated by the fuel that is most readily
available (or was, at the time of building) and can be the source of a
significant expense in cold weather climates. Information to have
available for potential buyers include:
- Type of heating system(s) in all areas of the home.
- How
the heat works and best practices for using the system(s) including the
presence of a programmable thermostat. For example, radiant floor heat
takes a while to warm large spaces and continues to radiate heat once
off; knowing this, scheduling heat to turn on hours before arriving home
from work, and to turn off hours before retiring for the night makes
total sense.
- Source of energy, and operational costs.
- Age of the system and maintenance history, if available.
Fireplaces, Stoves, and Inserts
There
is something about seeing a fire in a fireplace that warms the heart -
even "false" flames of electric fireplaces add a warming visual effect.
However, traditional fireplaces often draw in warm air from the home
which is lost up the chimney, in fact, cooling the rest of the home.
 Fireplaces
are not highly efficient ways of heating a home, without some
assistance. Enter the blower: fan systems that distribute heat from the
fire back into the room rely on electricity to work, but enables
homeowners to benefit from the heat generated by the fire itself. Better
yet, an insert, or sealed stove that uses the chimney but takes in air
efficiently and puts out considerably more heat is the preferred method
for increasing warmth. Russian fireplaces or other variations can be a
boon in very cold climates, but take a moment to understand how to
efficiently use them to see if these sometimes expensive bonuses fit
with your lifestyle. Like radiant heat, they are slower to warm and cool
down, so fires should be monitored and made at specific times.
Stoves
that generate heat can rely on a variety of fuels, typically including
wood, propane, and pellets (which are made of wood by-products).
Ensuring that the stove is installed properly, well-vented, and airtight
is essential for health and safety. Chimney fires in stovepipes can be
quite dangerous, so it is essential to regularly have the stove serviced
by a professional.
Spot Heating with Stand-Alone Heaters
On
some occasions, free-standing heating units such as electric "space
heaters" or propane heaters are handy to own. However, these appliances
can be tricky to use and require that you follow explicit safety
instructions. Their cords or fumes could present safety issues. A better
practice might be to solve the problems that require their use.
Insulate, seal and put in a more robust heating system - relying on
dangerous or worry-inducing appliances does little to inspire confidence
in a home. When showing a home, it is generally better to put these
appliances in storage, unless an outdoor patio heater is seen as an
advantage.
Keeping Heat In
Heating
a space is only part of the warming equation. Keeping the space warm is
achieved by capturing that heat and retaining it. Appropriate
insulation and attention to places where heat may escape are key points
to consider. Insulation in walls and attics should be clean and dry,
free from signs of animal infestation. Windows in cooler climates might
be double or triple-glazed, and doors and windows should close tightly
and no drafts should be present around them. Caulk and seal around
window frames, if needed, and pay attention to areas that seem
particularly prone to cooling down quickly.
Architectural
features of the home can also help with regard to a home's warmth.
Entryways are more functional in colder climates if there is a way to
avoid cold air and weather from sweeping into the home. Covered porches
or enclosed "northern entryways" are essentially vestibules than afford a
transition from the frigid outdoors to the warmth of your home.
"Mudrooms" or other utility spaces such as garage entryways can help
retain heat, though if they are to be highlighted features of a home,
they should be attractive and well-kept.
Some
rooms in the home will naturally be warmer than others. When showing a
home, be present to this fact and decide if you will "close off spaces"
by shutting doors to conserve heat in some living areas, or if you will
seek to warm cooler spaces by keeping doors open.
Insulating
hot-water heaters could be a plus if they are located in a cooler
location such as a basement or garage and ensuring that water pipes are
insulated is also useful to homeowners in frigid areas. Attention to
these details shows that the home is well-cared for and ready for
anything.
Warming "Accessories"
 Some
bonus features that jump out and say "warm" include hot-tubs, saunas,
steam rooms, and sun rooms. Others are less noticeable, but also great,
warming perks. The same ceiling fans that move air in the summer to
create a breeze can move warm air from high spaces where it isn't being
effective. Towel warming bars, heat lamps, or radiant floor heat in
bathrooms can offer spot warmth in places that are most appreciated.
Heated
workrooms, storage spaces and garages are a huge bonus to some
families. Showcase these areas by keeping them neat and functional,
including lighting and easy access.
If
the home is in a locale where power outages are common, generators and
homes wired to accommodate their use are especially appreciated.
Understand the system in place, the age and repair of the generator and
the electrical panel, and how to switch things back and forth between
electrical systems. Be sure that there is fresh fuel available for the
generator, and that it is stored safely.
In
the fall months, decks can become more usable with outdoor heaters,
generally run on propane, or small fire pits. These warming accessories
can make the most of outdoor spaces, showing that they can be used
year-round.
Décor is More, and More!
Finally,
décor can add a great deal of warmth which may be achieved by the
appearance and organization of the home. Color choices, fabrics,
curtains and draperies, decorations and even lighting can add degrees of
warmth. The trick is to engage all of the senses.
Light
the dark corners with warm lights. Enabling people to see your space in
a warm glow makes rooms appear lighter on shorter days that might be
grey. Consider pulling out an afghan or lap blanket for the couch and
swapping the warming colors of autumn in pillows and window treatments.
Heavier drapery can retain heat and give your rooms a weightier, cozier
feeling, while also retaining heat and adding privacy.
In
general, adding texture and fabrics will warm a room. While bare tables
can be cooling in the summer, adding a tablecloth or runner in the
winter adds to the warmth of a scene. Similarly, place fall flowers and
plants in rooms to bring the viewer into the season. Consider the
closest holidays and seek to bring touches of cheer into the space.
Don't fill or clutter spaces, but consider the details that warm the
eye. Adding carpets or area rugs will warm the floors and add visual
warmth, without adding bulk to a room. This goes for bedrooms as well as
living spaces, so be sure to scan each room with a warming eye.
In
cool months, cooking can add warmth to your home as well. A bubbling
pot of soup, baking cookies or bread, or even a pot of tea will provide
the smells that evoke a sense of heat and well-being. Candles also put
out heat as well as light, though be certain not to leave them
unattended. Scented candles can be difficult if a guest is sensitive to
scents or chemicals, and may be perceived as covering up pet smells, so
use these with care. |
