As outdoor temperatures get colder, staying warm can be tricky. In the fall, many homeowners may be reluctant to fire up their furnaces because we don’t know what Mother Nature has planned for the winter months. We know that long cold winters can lead to expensive heating bills.
Here are some simple things you can do to stay warm throughout the fall and winter seasons.
1. Embrace layers. If you’re like me, you may still be roaming around your home in shorts and a t-shirt, hoping there’s still a chance for a nice, warm, sunny day. However, since the opportunity is lessening and my wife isn’t ready to turn on our heat, it’s time for a new strategy. Wearing layers helps me stay comfortable this time of year.
2. Buy a pair of slippers. I hadn’t owned a pair of slippers since I was in grade school, which was a long time ago. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I felt odd sitting at my desk without shoes. So my kids gave me a pair of slippers for my birthday. I absolutely love them, and while I do wear them all year round, they’re especially lovely during the colder months.
3. Drink a warm beverage. While I used to say I would never drink coffee, that thought has changed. Nothing beats starting the day with a warm cup of coffee. On days I’m feeling cold, I will likely have a second or third cup. If you’re not a coffee drinker, visit your local retailer or coffee shop and ask them what they have for tea or cider this time of year. In addition, check out the internet. There are a lot of great recipes available.
4. Exercise. As the cold and darkness settle in, exercise is a great way to help you cope. However, if you’re simply feeling cold you don’t need to follow a strenuous workout routine. A few jumping jacks, burpees, or trips up and down your stairs can get your blood pumping and warm you up.
5. Run a humidifier. As the humidity in your home begins to decrease, consider running a humidifier. Moisture in the air helps keep your home warm. In addition, a humidifier can help prevent chapped lips, dry skin, scratchy throats, and nose irritation.
6. Use extra blankets. When watching TV or going to bed, grab an extra blanket. If you have kids, you may have acquired many blankets over the years. So there’s probably enough to go around.
7. Enjoy the sunshine. Instead of closing your blinds to keep your home cool, open them up to let the sun in. The sun does a beautiful job heating our living room.
8. Ditch the ice cream. I’m a huge fan of ice cream during the summer months. However, now’s the time to do some baking. Not only will you have some great desserts, but the oven will also add some heat to your home. Don’t leave the oven door open if you have small children or pets.
9. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan. Believe it or not, reversing the direction of your ceiling fan can make a difference. You know the old saying, “Hot air rises.” Reversing the fan will push the warm air downward into your room.10. Eliminate the drafts. If your windows or doors are drafty, there are several things you can do to fix this.
- Add weather stripping or temporary caulk to windows.
- Install draft guards on your doors.
- Cover your windows with plastic.
- Layer your windows with window treatments.
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