January 3, 2023

It’s that time of year again when we crank up the heat as the nights get longer and the air gets colder. Here are a few tips to helo you stay warm in an economical way.

1. Be savvy in how you use your appliances. How you use them contributes to the temperature in your home. Now is the time to try out that simmer pot recipe or use your slow cooker! Both generate heat that will escape and heat their surroundings. If you’re going to be baking, when done, leave your oven off and leave the door cracked open (be careful of kids and pets) to warm up the space.
2. Reverse your fans. Science taught us that warm air rises, and cool air stays low. By reversing your fan, warm air will be pushed down, and the fan will pull cool air up. Usually, there is a switch located on the fan to change the direction.
3. Layers. The more layers you throw on, the better it helps trap the air around you. Make sure wear socks or slippers. If your feet are cold, you probably are too.
4. Flannel. Sheets. Throw some flannel sheets on your bed to ensure you’re never cold when climbing in for the night. Flannel retains body heat!
5. Keep it closed. Only heat the rooms you use. Keep unused rooms, closets and cabinets shut. This will also prevent heat loss from the room you’re in.
6. Get active! Get your blood flowing by moving around; it will also help warm your extremities, such as feet and hands.
7. Let the sun shine in! Make the most of free heat by keeping your curtains open during the day. When it starts to get dark, close the curtains. They can be an added layer of insulation.