December has arrived and with it comes cold snaps and freezing temperatures. The problem is that with energy prices higher than ever, turning on the heating feels like a last resort, even if you have one The best smart thermostats. But, what can you do when the days are getting shorter and your house is getting colder?
To keep my bills to a minimum, I took on the challenge of keeping the heat on for as long as possible. I made a few small changes to achieve this and I’m happy to say that so far I’ve been able to avoid touching the thermostat. So if you want to lower your energy bill this winter, feel free to follow in Slider’s footsteps. Here are 7 ways to stay warm without turning on the heat.
Make sure you check out too How to save money on your heating bills this winter.
1. Layering
Of course, layering is the first thing you should do when the temperature starts to drop. After all, why pay to heat the whole house when throwing in a sweater can achieve the same result?
I wear two layers during the day to keep myself adequately warm, along with thick socks and comfy slippers—my feet always seem to feel the coldest, and the slippers don’t make the tiled bathroom floors look too intimidating.
I’ve been quite selective about the fabrics I wear, too. Wool and fleece are perfect if you’re feeling very cold. But when it comes to the basics, opt for poly-cotton. This material retains heat better.
2. Blankets galore
If you take a moment to sit or lie down, your body will soon start to feel cold. This is because your blood is not circulating effectively. At this point, when you’re all snuggling up while watching TV, it’s very tempting to turn up the heat. But, before you hit the switch, I recommend trying a strategically placed blanket instead.
I have blankets ready and lying around everywhere I tend to frequent. There’s one on the sofa and one next to the bed, should I get a little cold, but don’t want to climb under the full covers just yet. If I get chilly while working in my home office, one of these lap blankets can make all the difference, though you need to be careful not to run over it. The best office chairs.
Make sure to consider the fabric and weave when buying a blanket—an open weave won’t keep you warm. If you suffer from anxiety, the sun The best weighted blankets It can offer the best of both worlds.
If you need extra heat, a well-placed hot water bottle or microwavable doll, like the Marshmallow Bear from Warmies ($24.35, Amazon (Opens in a new tab)) can also help.
3. Take advantage of the extra heat
We have heat-generating appliances all over the house that blow the air away, so why not take advantage of it?
I took this theory and applied it where possible—once the shower was used or the clothes dryer cycle was finished, the doors were left open to let in more heat. Of course, in these cases I had to vent the moisture away, otherwise it could encourage mold and mildew.
I recommend using one of the The best dehumidifiers To do this, rather than open a window, that’s where you’ll lose a lot of the heat you’ve accumulated.
4. Exercise and move regularly
As mentioned earlier, if you stay still for too long, you will feel colder. That’s why I’m used to getting up and moving every 30 minutes or so, or at least whenever I’m starting to get a little cold. While doing this, I naturally felt my body warm, especially in the hands and feet. And while at work, it made me feel so much more refreshed when I got back to my computer, too.
I also made sure to use my own bike peloton On the days when I was working from home, until the blood flowed again. Plus, going for a walk outside really helped reset the indoor thermostat when necessary – once you do, you’ll realize how warm your home actually is.
5. Switch comforter
Admittedly, I haven’t taken that step yet, but I’m ready to do it, with my winter comforter ready and waiting. A little bit of the best comforters Thinner and designed for summer use, while others are thicker and intended for cooler months. Some also claim that they can be used all year round. Take a look at the quality and thickness of your comforter and decide if it is a good idea to switch it out for the winter. For example, this Royoliving Premium Heavyweight Greyduck Feathers Down Comforter ($159, Amazon (Opens in a new tab)) looks particularly comfortable.
Keep in mind the down strength of the duvet—the higher it is, the warmer the duvet will be. We generally recommend sticking to 600 or higher for winter use. You can choose a different filling, too; Down and feathers are warmer than feathers, and both insulate better than synthetic options.
6. Hot drinks on request
I have never been more grateful to have one The best electric kettles. I pour myself a hot cup of tea when things get cold. Not only does this keep me warm overall, but it also keeps my hands warm as they cool down in the mug.
I also have one of The best espresso machines as well as a Chocolat Velvetiser Hotel On standby, do I want to swap out my tea for a coffee or hot chocolate. I try to make sure most meals are also warm, and I choose a hot dish or soup over a cold salad. My fridge door is still locked most of the time these days.
7. Keep the doors closed
We want to retain whatever heat we manage to generate. The best way to do this is to close the doors between rooms. By keeping heat inside a smaller space with fewer windows, it will have a greater impact on temperature with less chance of escape. Any rooms with walls exposed to the outside are also more likely to lose heat, so we keep those doors closed and stick to the best insulated rooms.
We also benefit from our own blinds and blinds. Heat is easily lost through windows, even when they are closed. By closing our thick curtains on the windows, we are essentially insulating the room better. Blinds work for this too, although they are not as effective as blinds. Just remember to open it again at sunset, so you can heat the room for free.
If you’re looking to reduce your bills in other ways, check out these 15 Water Saving Tips, too. And we’ve got 7 things to know before you buy solar panels if you’re considering this makeover for your home. Plus, did you know that this is the cheapest time to do laundry? Also, what is an Energy Star rating and how can it save you money?
