You may not want to spend a fortune on your power bill this winter, but you also don’t want to freeze! Today we’re serving up a few ways to warm up in winter without spending an arm and a leg. By using these tips you can stay toasty all winter long without sacrificing your paycheck.
Decorate with warm colors this season. Warmth can be a matter of perception, so by decorating in warm colors (dark reds, oranges, and yellows) you can create the idea of warmth. This can trick your mind into thinking you are warm!
If you have hardwood or laminate flooring, throw a rug on it. This will prevent you from walking across floors as cold as ice with your bare feet!
Drink something warm! Keep the coffee pot full throughout the winter (whether it’s caffeinated or decaf for the afternoon) or stock up on your favorite tea. You’ll be warm from the inside out!
Switch up your bedding. Trade out your normal sheets for flannel ones and your normal blanket for a down comforter, or just add extra blankets or a quilt.
If you get cold throughout the night, put on a knit hat and some wools socks. Even if your otherwise sleeping in silk pajamas, you’ll still be warmer without constricting yourself!
Since humid air feels warmer, use a humidifier or just open your bathroom door while you’re showering to spread humid air through your building.
Have a bag of dried rice or beans? Use it as a heating pad! You can find out how to make one with rice by reading this article on How To Make an Easy-Sew Homemade Heating Pad (http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-heating-pad/). Pop it in the microwave for a minute or two and then put it under your blankets while you sleep. This could also work with a hot water bottle.
Have a fireplace? Use it! Do have your chimney cleaned and checked before using your fireplace for this first time this season.
There are plenty of ways to trick yourself into being warm, or to just really get warm without wearing out your HVAC system. Not only do you want to avoid an extra $100 on your energy bill, but you don’t want to put too much stress on your HVAC unit.