Want to save on your heating bill this winter but don’t want to sacrifice being nice and toasty at home? We’ve got you covered! There are plenty of ways to keep your home cozy that don’t involve turning up the heat. Don’t get left out in the cold this winter; follow our expert tips for staying warm while feeling frugal.
Dress to Impress
What you wear makes a huge difference in how you feel. We recommend dressing in layers to feel your warmest. Several thin layers are preferable over fewer, bulkier layers. You can easily take something off or add something as temperatures fluctuate, and the space between layers traps heat to keep you insulated. Wool textiles are particularly good at keeping you warm, but we know they can be irritating to some. If your skin itches just reading this, try merino wool, which is softer and less scratchy. Complete your ensemble with thick, comfy socks and a snug-fitting cap. If your head and feet are warm, your whole body feels warmer. For extra coziness, throw your clothes in the dryer for a few minutes, then put them on as soon as they come out.
If You Can’t Stand the Heat . . .
You know the rest! In this case, however, you’ll actually want to stay in the kitchen to take advantage of all the warmth generated there. Not only will the heat of the stove or oven keep you toasty, but the physical activity of cooking will also help. Hearty winter meals like soups and stews are perfect for warming you up from the inside, along with hot tea, coffee, cocoa, or cider. If you don’t have pets or little ones around, leave the oven door open when you finish and allow the residual heat to flow through your home.
Snug as a Bug
Make your bedroom into a cozy cocoon. First, close blinds and curtains at night to keep out the cold (open them during the day to let in the sunshine). Make sure there’s nothing blocking your vents (furniture, for example), so that whatever heat you’re using gets through to you unobstructed. At the same time, seal up any drafts (a rolled up towel is good if you don’t have weather stripping), and close your fireplace flue to keep heat from escaping. Use flannel sheets and a down comforter and pile lots of extra blankets on your bed. If your floors are currently bare, consider adding a rug during the winter months- there’s nothing worse than climbing out of a nice, warm bed and stepping right onto a freezing floor! You might also want to invest in a humidifier, as humid air feels warmer than dry air (just think about a sweaty Texas summer for proof).
You don’t have to keep cranking up the thermostat to fight off winter’s chill. Warm clothes, a hot meal, and a nice, cozy bed go a long way towards making a cooler house feel just right. And if that cooler house wasn’t a money-saving plan, call your HVAC specialist right away, then use our tips to stay cozy while you wait for a repair!