It’s tempting when temperatures drop below freezing to turn up the heat or to take a hot shower. These methods are bad not only for your skin but also for your heating bill. According to Energy Star, the average American household spends over $2,060 per year on energy. With rising inflation this year, your heating bill may be very high. There are many ways to keep warm without using a heater. These suggestions range from insulating your house properly to cuddling up with a heavy throw blanket.
Refresh your window treatments.
Windows are one of the most common (and insidious) sources of heat loss. Energy Star says that windows are responsible for between 25 and 30 percent of cooling and heating energy. If you don’t want to spend money on new windows but still want your home warm in winter, you might consider investing in a window treatment. Honeycomb blinds, also known as cellular blinds, retain heat more effectively than any other treatment. They give your home an updated look. Install extra-thick blinds for extra insulation and keep them as closed as possible.
Air Seal Your Entire Home
In a similar vein, make sure you do a thorough sweep of your house, checking for drafts coming from nooks and crannies and through doors. Install energy-efficient alternatives if you can afford them. If you don’t have the funds, there are quick and simple fixes to block drafts.
- Weatherstrip your doors
- Seal all non-moving components with caulk
- Install foam gaskets to stop drafts at electrical outlets
- Seal leaky HVAC ductwork using HVAC duct sealing Tape
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Invest in a top-quality blanket
We search the internet to find the most comfortable blankets when the weather gets chilly. Which blanket should you pick?
Knitted blankets are the best choice if you want to save money on your utility bills and increase your comfort. Knitted blankets tend to be warmer and more comfortable than woven ones, which is why you see them all over your social media feeds this winter.
Weighted knit blankets can provide additional warmth and stress relief. Reduced stress and lower heating bills are appealing to everyone.
Choose a blanket that wraps around you to get maximum warmth!
Use A Humidifier
Humidifiers are known to help with colds and dryness of the skin by adding moisture to the air. But did you also know that they could help reduce your heating bills in the winter? It’s because higher humidity air feels warmer, and you are less likely to turn up the heat in order to stay comfortable. Answering the question you’re sure to ask: no, humidifiers do not use much electricity, especially if they are energy-efficient models. Add to that the fact that they can reduce snoring, prevent the spread of viruses, and keep skin healthy, and you have a purchase that is a no-brainer for winter.
Get cooking
You may use your oven more during the winter because it will keep your home warm. Instead of ordering takeout and letting cold air into your home while you are coming and going, stay at home to improve your culinary skills. You’ve been indoors for a while. You could find a recipe that you enjoy and make some delicious treats to share with your family. We must also mention that it is dangerous to use an oven, and especially a gas-powered oven, to heat your house. Only do this if baking or cooking something.
Bundle Up In A Cozy Robe
After a shower or when you first get out of bed in the morning, wrapping yourself up in a warm robe is a great way to stay warm. Winter robes are a great way to stay warm without having to turn up the thermostat. Weighted robes made of warm fleece or absorbent terrycloth are perfect for self-care in winter. You’ll feel as cozy as a bug under a rug this winter if you pair your robe and slippers with warm, comfortable socks.
Set Your Ceiling Fan To Run Clockwise
You may want to dust your ceiling fan to keep warm this winter. Ceiling fans are usually set to counterclockwise rotation during the summer months to force cool air downward. You may be surprised that you can switch your ceiling fan’s direction to clockwise. This will circulate hot air throughout your home and make it feel warmer. It is important to use a fan at a low speed. Even if you set the fan on high or medium speed, the wind chill effect will still occur.
Layer Area Rugs
Area rugs are more than just a way to tie a space together. The rugs are also a cheap way to insulate your home and prevent your feet from touching the bare floorboards during chilly mornings. You can also add multiple area rugs to your room to increase warmth, cover stains, reduce noise, and add other benefits.