Cost effective ways to stay warm without turning up the heat

We all know that during the colder parts of the year, it can be tricky to stay warm without cranking up the heat.

Illustrative pictures of keeping warm - pixabay

Luckily, there are basic methods that can help you stay warm without your utility bill skyrocketing. Some are things you can do for yourself while others are tweaks for improving the warmth in your home.

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Here are the 13 simple and most cost-effective ways to keep warm.

1, Dress in Layers.

This has to come first as it is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep warm during colder months. You should add a sweater, jacket, and other layers when you go outside in cold weather. You can apply the same principle inside, too.

Illustrative pictures of layer of clothes - pixabay

Your body temperature will be well regulated as the layers added will act as insulator for your body. However, whenever you start having some discomfort, take some layers off and observe yourself if you need to take some more off or not.

2, A cup of soup is magical. 

Besides warming up from the outside, you can also warm yourself from the inside.

Illustrative picture of hot soup to keep warm - pixabay

Go for hot meals like a cup of soup, on colder days. You can  as well make your own soup with your partner or with the entire family. This increases great communication between partners, thereby making bonds stronger.

Soup generally takes a while to cook, and the simmering pot on the stove will generate some heat in the kitchen. And fun with your partner could start right from the kitchen - it's a cold night right? 🤣

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3, Use microwavable hot compress.

Microwavable hot compress are inexpensive, and they can make a lot of difference when you're cold.

Microwavable hot compress

You can use a hot compress on your hands and feet when you're sitting or lying down to feel considerably warmer.

You can even make a basic heating pad yourself. Search on Google on how to make a basic heating pad at home and watch some DIY Videos.

4, Use a humidifier.

This is another great idea for keeping warm during colder months as humid air feels a bit warmer than usual dry air and running the heat in the colder months can strip your indoor air of its humidity.

Humidifier

So to balance this, you should consider using a humidifier. Look for the models that allow you to choose between warm and cold air; they typically cost more but are well worth it for the heating ability.

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5, Wear thicker socks and slippers.

Generally, keeping your feet warm will make your whole body feel warmer. You should put on a pair of ultra-warm wool stocks to feel cozier and warmer.

To stay warm too, keep a pair of slippers or shoes to wear around the house because of cold floors on colder months.

6, Use the oven and stove for cooking. 

Using this method on a daily basis is like adding heat to your space gradually and it is really helpful. Ovens and stove both generate heat in your kitchen.

And this is why it's recommended to make no-cook and no-bake meals during the warmer months. While in the colder months, the reverse is the case.

7, Consider spending more time upstairs.

If you have multiple levels in your home, consider spending more time on the upper level to take advantage of the warmer air there - warm air rises.

8, Heat vents, registers, and radiators should be cleared out.

It's recommended by experts to have your heating system inspected yearly and ideally before the cold months arrives and you must rely on it to heat your home.

It's also required to ensure the heat can adequately keep your space warm throughout the colder months.

Note: Furnitures, curtains, and other items should be pulled away from heat vents, registers, and radiators. If they're blocked, the heat won't be able to circulate properly.

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9, Leave the oven open after use.

Every time you use your oven during the colder months, please, leave it open after usage. This will allow the hot air to escape and add heat to your space.

Be cautious about doing this because of the safety of others in your home including pets. Make sure they can't reach the hot oven door or inside the oven.

Note: Never use the oven as a primary source of heat, especially if your appliance uses natural gas as this can lead to increased carbon monoxide levels in your home - risking lives.

10, Reverse the ceiling fan.

It might seem silly to use a ceiling fan when you're feeling cold right? But it can help to keep you warm.

You'll need your electrician/technician to help you do this if you aren't good with DIY. 

Set your ceiling fan to turn at a low speed and in a clockwise direction. This will help to push the warm air that rises toward the ceiling back down to the floor.

11, Drink warm beverages. 

In addition to hot meals, you can apply the same principle of keeping warm from the inside with the use of hot/warm beverages.

Keep coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or your other favorite warm drinks/teas on hand for when you're feeling cold.

Note: Hot mug is excellent for heating cold hands.

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12, Remain active.

Normally, movement generates body heat and there are many ways to get your body temperature up by being active.

Staying active includes cleaning the house, exercising, DIYs, or have fun playing a game.

You could set a reminder to get up and do some movement around every now and then so your body doesn't become so cold and stiff that you don't feel like being active anymore.

13, Don't run the bathroom fan after using the bathroom.

This is because humidity can make a space feel warmer - especially enclosed spaces. Then, leave the bathroom door wide open after you shower, so the humidity generated in the bathroom can spread to other parts of your home.

Buy if mold has a tendency to grow in your bathroom due to high humidity levels, then you should use the fan for a few minutes.