Cold weather can cause respiratory problems for asthma sufferers. Using a humidifier in your home can help alleviate this problem.
Make sure your ceiling fans are rotating in a clockwise direction during the winter. This will push the warm air that rises back down. This can save you money on your energy bills.
1. Turn Your Thermostat Down
While it may be tempting to crank up the thermostat during cold weather, this can lead to high energy bills. Instead, try some of these heating hacks to keep your home warm without breaking the bank.
Set your heater to a comfortable temperature, such as 60 or 70 degrees. This is a good temperature to stay at for the majority of your day. It’s also easy to add more layers of clothing if you start feeling too cold.
Make sure your ceiling fans are on and spinning in a clockwise direction during winter. This will push the warm air that has risen back down into your rooms, helping your heater work more efficiently. This can save you up to 20% on your energy bill each month! Also, turn your heater down while you’re sleeping or away from home for two hours.
2. Keep a Warm Blanket in Your Car
A blanket is a great addition to your emergency car kit. It can provide warmth and comfort in the event of a breakdown, as well as protecting you from lashing winds and golf ball-sized hail.
Another good idea is to invest in a block heater, which can be plugged into a vehicle’s standard electrical outlet and will warm up the engine and vital fluids, even in frigid temperatures. This will reduce strain on the engine and help to extend its life expectancy.
Finally, be sure to keep a pair of hand warmers in the car to keep your hands warm and prevent frostbite. They are inexpensive and can easily be found online. They also make great gifts for cold-weather drivers. You can even heat them in a microwave or with a lighter.
3. Don’t Leave Your Thermostat On
Leaving your thermostat on while you’re at work or out of the house can lead to extreme temperature drops in your home. This requires the furnace to work harder to bring your home back up to a comfortable temperature, which causes it to use more energy than necessary.
You can prevent this problem by setting your programmable thermostat to follow your work routine. Most models allow you to set your thermostat so that it turns off at a predetermined time during the day, and then turn back on at your return.
You can also keep cold air out by installing draught-proofing measures, such as draft blockers under doors, brush panels on letterboxes, and insulation around radiators. However, make sure you consult a heating professional for the most effective and safest methods to implement. They can help you stay warm and save money this winter!
4. Use a Window Cling
Keeping your home warm during the winter doesn’t have to involve a dramatic increase in nonrenewable energy usage. Instead, focus on sustainable heating hacks to reduce your utility bills.
One of the most common energy saving tips is to seal draughty air with simple home improvements. These can include draught-proofing tape around windows, brushes on letterboxes, and insulating panels behind radiators.
Another way to cut your heating bill is to use a programmable thermostat, which will automatically adjust temperatures when you’re home and away. Additionally, you can also invest in a smart thermostat that will learn your habits and even offer suggestions to save more energy.
5. Keep a Lighter in Your Car
As you know, it’s important to be prepared for severe winter cold. However, you should use common sense and think things through before attempting some of these hacks. They could result in serious injury or even death.
Lighters should never be left in your car because they can melt the seat and cause a fire. A woman from South Carolina shared a video of her car seat melting after she left a lighter in it.
A draft can let cold air into your home, so you should add some insulation to your doors. This is easy to do and doesn’t cost much. You can also put up a storm door for added protection. Another option is to use window insulation film. This is also cheap and works well. You can also use a plastic bag or bubble wrap.
6. Don’t Leave Your Thermostat On
Winter weather can leave you feeling cold and miserable. However, it doesn’t have to! There are a number of simple tricks you can use to stay warm this winter. These winter hacks will help you stay comfortable, protect your car and home from the elements, and more!
Leaving your thermostat on is one of the most common energy-wasting habits. It can make your heater work harder and cause your bills to go up.
To avoid this, try to keep a consistent temperature and turn the heat up or down only when you’re at home. You can also install a programmable thermostat that will automatically change the temperature according to your schedule. This is an efficient and inexpensive way to save money on your heating costs.
7. Keep a Warm Blanket in Your Car
Cold weather can leave your car’s engine struggling. It’s best to keep a set of jumper cables, rock salt and a blanket in your car so you can warm it up if needed.
A heated blanket can be plugged into the cigarette lighter or USB port and can provide warmth without draining your vehicle’s battery. It can also help prevent your windshield from fogging up during the cold.
Additionally, a blanket can be used to cover your car windows in case you’re forced to leave it unattended while you walk away to get help or fuel. It can also be useful in a medical emergency. A blanket can protect your torso from the cold or act as a makeshift stretcher. This heated blanket by Stalwart is a great option because it’s portable and has a 96-inch cord.
8. Don’t Leave Your Thermostat On
Leaving the heating on when you are away from home can lead to higher energy bills than you would think. If you are going to be gone for more than eight hours, it is a good idea to turn the thermostat down and use a timer to set it back up when you return.
If you forget to set the thermostat down, there are plenty of other things that you can do to keep your house warm. Try closing off unused rooms and stuffing towels in cracks around doors. This can also help you save money on your heating bill.
Another great winter hack is to open the blinds on a sunny day and let natural sunlight heat your house for free! Just be sure to close the curtains at night. Using these simple hacks can make winter much easier and more enjoyable.
9. Keep a Warm Blanket in Your Car
Cold weather can bring frosty temperatures, snowstorms and other inclement weather that can be hazardous to your safety. It is important to have some survival tips in place to help you stay warm and safe during these harsh conditions.
For instance, if you get stranded in your car, blankets can help keep you warm. This is because the body loses heat quickly and blankets can lengthen the time you have before succumbing to the cold. They can also be useful for helping to de-ice your windshield or windows if they become icy.
A portable heated blanket that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter or USB port is another great option. These blankets have adjustable heat settings, a timer and other features that make them a good choice for winter. They are also lightweight and compact, making them easy to store in your vehicle.
10. Keep a Warm Blanket in Your Car
Whether you’re going on a car camping trip, or need to spend the night in your vehicle due to an unexpected delay in traffic, a warm blanket can come in handy. In addition to keeping you warm, blankets can also be used to block out light and provide privacy.
A heated blanket can help you stay comfortable during long trips, allowing you to relax and enjoy your drive. One great option is this Stalwart heated blanket, which plugs into your 12-volt socket and features a 96-inch cord that allows backseat passengers to use it as well.
In order to prevent your pipes from freezing this winter, it’s a good idea to cover them with pipe sleeves or heat tape before the temperatures drop. Dawson says you can also try using newspaper to insulate your pipes if you don’t have any of the above options.