Cold Weather Home Comfort Hacks

(Family Features) As temperatures drop and cozy season sets in, keeping your home comfortable doesn't mean undergoing a full-scale renovation. In fact, with a few smart upgrades, you can create a warm, inviting space - while improving your home's energy efficiency, too.

Before the chill sets in, consider these cool-weather comfort hacks, inspired by the experts at Simonton Windows & Doors, who have delivered high-quality replacement windows and patio doors designed to enhance the appearance, security and comfort of homes around the country for more than 75 years.

Install a Smart Thermostat

One of the easiest ways to increase comfort while also reducing heating costs, installing a smart thermostat allows for automatic temperature adjustment, keeping your home warm while it's occupied and conserving energy when you're away. Over time, these intelligent devices learn your schedule and habits, and can be controlled remotely from a smartphone to let you turn on the heat prior to arriving back at home.

Replace Older Windows

If your windows are drafty or difficult to open, it may be time to upgrade. Modern replacement windows can dramatically improve energy efficiency and insulation. High-quality options from Simonton, including DaylightMax and 6200 Sliding Windows and 5500 and 6500 Double Hung Windows, meet the highest standards of performance and reliability, having successfully earned the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal following rigorous testing. Designed with security and weather resistance in mind, these windows are known for their durability, wide range of styles and advanced energy-saving features.

"This is a testament to the unwavering commitment we have to bring the best products to building professionals and homeowners," said Kate Land, vice president of product and innovation at Cornerstone Building Brands, parent company of Simonton. "For more than 75 years, the Simonton brand has given homeowners confidence that they are investing in windows that tru