The price of staying warm in the winter can be high, and this year might be particularly bad. With energy costs on the rise, heating your home will cost 8 percent to 17 percent more than last year, according to Newsweek. But here are some ideas you can use from The Balance and Apartment Therapy to keep warm this winter without having to crank up the heat – or increase your energy bill:
- Bring on the Layers
- Add layers of clothing that you can remove as it gets warmer throughout the day, especially flannel or wool fabric on your feet and head.
- Change cotton bed sheets for flannel sheets and add a comforter or additional blankets.
- Lay down rugs on hardwood and tile flooring.
- Take Advantage of Other Heat Sources
- Leave the oven door open after baking or broiling.
- Open the bathroom door and turn off the vent fan when taking a hot shower.
- Moist air holds heat better than dry air. Use an energy-efficient humidifier to ad moisture to your home.
- Fortify the House
- Open the blinds or curtains during the day to take advantage of the sun, and close them when it gets dark.
- Make sure heat vents are open and not covered by furniture or other objects.
- Close doors to unused rooms.
- Place a rolled-up towel or “door snake” at the base of entry doors to stop drafts.
- Run ceiling fans in reverse to push warm air down.
- Warm Up Your Core
- Make hot soups or stews to warm yourself from the inside out.
- Get your hands toasty holding a cup of hot tea, coffee, or cocoa.
- Stay active around the house cleaning, organizing, or cooking.
- Exercise to a workout video or with indoor equipment.
Try some of these ideas and you could save yourself hundreds of dollars this winter. If you want to save even more on your utility bills year-round, contact our experts about adding a solar-electric energy system to your home.