Stay Warm This Winter

As the weather cools, most of us are prone to simply turning up the thermostat to stay warm. Heat accounts for one-third of our home’s energy costs, and no one enjoys higher utility bills during the winter. Here are a few ways to stay warm this winter that are less expensive than using your furnace. Extreme cold weather can be hazardous to our health. People with respiratory problems, such as asthma, or heart conditions, are especially vulnerable during the winter. To stay healthy, our bodies require a core body temperature of 37 degrees Celsius, which means that rooms should be heated to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius. However, with the cost of living continuing to rise, there are fears that people will be unable to use heating to keep themselves and their homes warm during the winter months. Here are some tips for staying warm this winter, so you can keep an eye out for vulnerable friends, neighbors, and family members.

Make use of a programmable thermostat

Set your thermostat to coincide with your schedule. Maintain a cooler temperature in your home while you are at work and at night.

Make use of space heaters or your fireplace

If you spend the majority of your time in one room, rather than heating the entire house to your preferred temperature, use a space heater or your fireplace in that room. Just remember to turn it off or put it out whenever you leave the room or go to sleep!

Remove drafts from your windows

Check that your windows are properly closed. Caulk around any edges that appear to be letting cold air in. To further insulate the glass, wrap it in plastic wrap. Purchase thermal insulation drapes that will be closed as much as possible. Open your curtains during the day; even in the winter, the sun provides warmth. Close them as soon as the sun goes down to keep the warm air in. Investing in thicker curtains or thermal curtain liners will aid in keeping cold air out and heat loss at bay.

Invest in a draught excluder

We lose a lot of heat through gaps around windows and doors. Draughts can be avoided by lining your windows with rubber seals and using a homemade draught excluder near doors.

Move furniture away from external walls

Sitting with your back to an internal wall feels much warmer. Put down plenty of rugs to insulate your floor if you don’t have carpets. Hardwood and laminate floors are significantly colder than carpeted areas.

Avoid condensation on windows

When windows are closed, condensation can quickly accumulate and eventually turn to mould. This is potentially harmful to your lungs. Turn on your extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen, and clean your windows.

Remove drafts from the doors

Replace weather stripping on exterior doors as needed. Close the doors to empty rooms and install draft guards at the bottom.

Dress appropriately for the weather

Dress in layers, paying special attention to your feet and head, which are the places where heat escapes the body the fastest. Wearing multiple layers of clothing rather than a single thick piece of clothing will help to trap your body heat and keep you warm. Thermal underwear and clothing, as well as hot water bottles, are inexpensive ways to stay warm for longer periods of time. Thick socks and slippers can also keep your feet warm.

Cover your hardwood and tile floors with rugs

Carpets help to prevent heat loss through your floors and are more comfortable to walk on than hard surfaces.

Insulate your attic space

Heat rises and escapes naturally through your attic. Increase the insulation in your attic to keep the heat inside your home.

Cook meals in your oven

You’re going to eat food, so why not prepare it in a way that helps to heat your home? When it’s done, leave the oven door open for a few minutes to take advantage of the extra heat; just keep the kids out of the kitchen! Consume plenty of hot beverages and eat healthily throughout the day. Avoid alcohol because it causes your blood vessels to constrict, causing you to lose body heat.

Exercise

Moving generates body heat and improves blood circulation, keeping your fingers and toes warm! A short bout of vigorous exercise can warm and keep your body warm for an extended period of time. A healthy body also tolerates the cold better. It’s also important to avoid sitting for extended periods of time; instead, move around and stay as active as possible. This will aid in circulation and keep you warm.

Get ready for bedtime

If you plan your nighttime routine, you can lower the thermostat and still be comfortable. Put on some warm pajamas and socks. Simply Organic Bamboo bedding will regulate your body heat and adjust to your body temperature throughout the night. When you wake up, keep a thick robe and slippers by your bed.

Get assistance with your energy bill

If you receive benefits such as Pension Credit, Disability Allowance, Income Support, Income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, or Support for Mortgage Interest, you may be eligible for energy bill assistance.

Warm Home Discount Scheme: This UK government-run scheme is available to those on benefits or on a low income; you can find out if you qualify on their website.

When there is an extended period of freezing weather, people receiving benefits in England and Wales are entitled to a Cold Weather Payment. Check to see if you are eligible for assistance.

Please contact your gas or electricity provider: Contact your gas and electricity suppliers to find out what assistance you might be eligible for.

You shouldn’t have to spend the cold months worrying about your rising utility bills. Follow some of these suggestions to reduce your heating costs. Spend your money and time creating memories with the people who are truly important in your life. We wish you a happy and safe winter!