Only 10% of people call winter their favorite season, and it's due to the bitter cold that keeps most people stuck in their homes. But what happens when it's even cold indoors?
Use this guide to help you stay warm even on the coldest days, without relying on the thermostat.
1. Seal Any Cracks
Did you know that even sealed windows and doors can have cracks that allow warm air out and cool air in? These can make your HVAC system have to work harder just to heat your home.
You can seal off windows by covering them in sheets of plastic for the winter. You can also test for cracks by feeling for airflow on a windy day and fill in those visible areas with putty or another sealant.
2. Keep Your Body Heat In
As your body generates heat and energy, it escapes. Bundling up in warm clothing can help to keep that body heat in so that you stay warm even if it isn't warm around you.
Some ways that you can bundle up to keep your heat in include:
- Hats and headbands
- Gloves and mittens
- Sweatshirts
- Blankets
- Warm socks
- Scarves
Don't forget that sitting on a warm, insulating surface like your bed or a couch can also help to keep your heat in.
3. Light Up a Bonfire
Sometimes you don't even need to stay inside to keep warm. If it's too cold inside, try stepping outside and lighting up a bonfire to enjoy with friends and neighbors. This can be the perfect way to warm up while also having a nice time and getting fresh air.
You can light a bonfire in a DIY fire pit of bricks or stones, or in a metal one. There are endless options, and all that is required is wood and a lighter.
4. Try a Heater Alternative
There are tons of options for heaters and electric fires so that you don't always have to rely on your central AC system to heat the home.
An electric fire, like the ones featured at https://www.qbicheating.co.uk/electric-heaters/electric-fires.html, can be a great way to feel the warmth of an organic fire while still remaining inside. You don't need a built-in fireplace and chimney to experience the magic and coziness of a warm hearth.
5. Reverse Your Fans
Typically, a ceiling fan will create a draft that pushes air upward and disperses it. You can reverse your fans though so that they create a reverse draft and push the air from the ceiling downward. But why would this be helpful in increasing the temperature?
As air heats, it expands. This means that hot air is less dense than cold air, so it tends to rise to the ceiling. If you want to keep the hot air down on the floor where you are, reversing your fans can draft the hot air downward and help circulate it in the room.
6. Try a Rug
A soft rug can not only keep your feet warm from cool tile or wood floors. It can also help insulate and keep warmth from escaping. Try a stylish rug that ties the room together and it can serve a dual-purpose as insulator and decor.
7. Move Around
Did you know that physical activity, like exercise, has the power to increase your body temperature? Moving around can be one of the cheapest, easiest ways to stay warm in the winter without relying on the thermostat.
Nothing is required for this method, only some time to spare. Here are a few activities that can keep you active inside or outside to increase your body temperature:
- Dancing to your favorite music
- Cleaning the house
- Yard work and outdoor chores
- Exercise at the gym
- Going for a walk or hike
- Playing with pets
Anything that gets your body moving is sure to generate heat that you can then keep in with warm-weather garb.
8. Use Hot Water
If the air around you is cold, try immersing yourself in hot water. This can be a great way to warm up your internal body temperature so that you can then bundle up and stay warm all day.
Some great ways that hot water can help you stay warm during the winter include:
- Taking a shower
- Soaking in a hot bath
- Washing your face
- Soaking your feet in a warm foot bath
- Taking a steam in the bathroom
- Steaming your face over a pot of boiling water
There are many ways to take advantage of the hot water you have available to you to keep warm. You don't have to draw a bath every time though. Use this handy list to find the best way to warm up for you.
9. Get Cozy in the Kitchen
Baking or cooking can be a great way to stay warm, as appliances like the stovetop and oven tend to heat the space. Get cozy by the oven and snuggle up with a nice book as you bake cookies or prep dinner.
10. Prepare a Warm Beverage
Drinking a hot beverage can help warm you from the inside out. It is also warm and soothing to hold the hot mug in your hands and feel the hot steam on your face.
Brew a cup of coffee, a pot of tea, or even a bowl of soup and let the warm liquid heat your body and soothe your throat.
Stay Warm in the Winter Months With These Top Tips
You don't have to rely on your thermostat to stay warm with these innovative and efficient methods. Use this guide to help you stay warm even on the coldest days of winter.
Read more on the Andrew Murray official blog for other tips like these.
Matt Hoffer is a crypto enthusiast and gamer. When he's not de-constructing the blockchain, you can find him chilling with some lemonade in the shade or playing a round of golf.
