Heating can be an expensive bill on your regular payments but it is also one that can be greatly reduced with a little planning and preparation. Keeping warm in the winter is a proud tradition dating back to our tree-swinging ancestors but it has not been perfected until the advent of modern construction materials and heating devices.
The trick today is to enjoy the comfortable warmth available without breaking the budget. Following are some great techniques for keeping warm and still saving on energy expenses.
The Draft Dodger
We are not talking about avoiding military service here, draft dodgers are specially fabricated tubes of materials that are laid out at the bottom of the door to keep those cool breezes from reducing the temperature of your room.
You can make one of these devices yourself. Old tube sock filled with beans, sand or other socks is a great option. Of course, if you look online you will also find many options available for purchase.
Make the Most of the Sunlight
Whenever you can, keep the windows and blinds open during the day, this will allow you to take advantage of the warm rays of sunlight warming your home’s interior. Then just before the sun goes down be sure to close the blinds and draperies to lock all that comfortable warmth inside for the night.
Trim the Tree
Don’t wait till Xmas to whip out the clippers, if you have dense foliage growing in front of your home this is blocking off warming rays of sunlight. Take an afternoon to whip out the implements and cut back these branches and leaves.
Cover the Floor
We all know what it’s like to step from a warm bed out onto the cold floor. Tiles and stone floor can be very unforgiving in the dead of night and a bit of fabric between you and subzero floor can save you from a shock to the toes. Area rugs are a great solution for the winter months and can then be rolled up and stowed during the summer.
Bundle Up at Bedtime
It can be very difficult to fall asleep when you feel cold but after a while, a sleeping person handles the cold fairly well. Rather than turning up the heat before bed, throw on some extra blankets and covers to keep you warm while you fall asleep. Later you will sleep peacefully knowing your energy costs will be lower this season.
If you are sophisticated enough to have a thermostat featuring a timer, you can begin warming the home 20 minutes before you will actually get up (larger houses may need more time to reach a comfortable temperature.
Don’t Warm an Empty House
Will everyone be gone for the day? Or even for the next few hours? Well, there is no sense in keeping the seats warm till you get back.
If you have pets in the home this plan will need to be adjusted. Tropical birds, dogs, and cats can be very susceptible to the cold and they will need some source of warmth until you return. Ask your vet about possible solutions for keeping house pets warm and saving on energy at the same time. Ethanol Fireplace Pros have some good tips on their blog about energy saving.
Get Snuggly!
I have a pair of very large cats that invariably arrive at strategic locations under my blankets during the night. This provides considerable warmth as body heat is exchanged. I also heard tell of large dogs, especially short-haired dogs like the Weimaraner that also perform this function to a considerable degree of proficiency.
Insulate Where You Can
If you find yourself with a bit of spare cash, consider making some investments in the insulation of your home suggests energy comparison site Simply Switch. You can also look at replacing energy inefficient windows and putting up better windows that offer greater protection from the elements.
Layer Up
While this is the most obvious solution to feeling cold, it’s not one practiced enough. If you feel cold, grab an extra sweater or two. Throw a blanket over your shoulders if you are working at a home office or watching TV. You’ve already paid for it, so get your money’s worth.
Drink Up
There is no time like the winter to break out the tea caddy collection and plan for hot cider.Not only will this warm you in an instant but teas can keep you safe from the flu and other sicknesses so prevalent at this time. Red wine is another warming elixir and a boost to the health.
