5 Tips for Staying Warm at Home Without Turning Up the Heat

If you look outside your window, there is a good chance that you are still seeing snow or rain falling – even though it’s officially spring. Your first instinct may be to turn the thermostat all the way up on your furnace and let the warm air flow. However, not only can this become quite pricey – especially after such a long winter – but it can also start to negatively impact the environment and the atmosphere. Luckily, there are many ways to stay warm and comfortable, but it takes creativity and a willingness to forgo a few creature comforts. Here are five tips for staying warm at home without turning up the heat.

1. Layer up. Just like you would wear a few layers before venturing outside, you may want to layer up on the inside too, especially if you want to forgo turning up the thermostat. For instance, you want to wear thick socks and a heavy sweater. Wearing warm, protective clothing is the best way to keep your body temperature even and insulated – the cozier the better. You don’t want to be uncomfortable with lots of zippers and buttons.
2. Cover your floors. Another great way to stay warm in the winter without turning up the heat is to place rugs or coverings on your floor. For instance, thick wool rugs will keep the air from escaping through the cracks and draughts in your floor. Not only that, but it will make your floors more comfortable to walk on. This can be especially important if you have wood or cement floors that cool quite easily. Not only can it feel cold to the touch of your feet, but it can also radiate the coolness into your home.
3. Use your ceiling fans. Many people don’t realize that their ceiling fans can work wonders when it comes to spreading the heat throughout their homes. By spreading out the heat, you can effectively retain an even temperature, which cuts down the necessity to keep turning on your heating system. All you have to do is set your fans in reverse. This will effectively push the warm air that is gathering at your ceiling down towards the rest of your home.
4. Install a humidifier. Using a humidifier can be a great way to make your home stay warmer for longer. In the wintertime, the heat can literally suck the moisture out of the air, which can make the air feel cooler than it is. A humidifier will raise the heat levels and it will also improve your indoor air quality. If the air is too dry – not only will it be too cold, but there will also be more dust and pollutants floating around.
5. Let the sunshine in. When the weather outside is particularly cold, many people underestimate the warming power of sunshine pouring through the windows. In the daytime, you can utilize the sunshine for warmth. Just peel back your curtains and let the sun in. Naturally heating your home is one of the best ways to avoid turning up the heat.