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Tips on Keeping Warm

Frosty mornings and chilly evenings make winter a difficult season in many parts of the country. The rising cost of gas and electricity makes it tough to heat homes thoroughly through the long winter months. Luckily, there are lots of tips on keeping warm through the snowy times of year without spending a lot of money. Many people turn to home remedies for battling the cold, such as energy-efficient heaters or wearing extra layers.

  1. Dress in Layers

    • A very practical and popular tip for keeping warm is to dress in layers. Try putting on a thermal T-shirt under a sweater or sweatshirt, as the weave holds heat well and feels cozy. Layers trap heat and the weight adds warmth. Also remember that we lose a lot of heat through our head, so try putting on a hooded sweatshirt or a knit cap. Lots of people have a problem with circulation in the feet, which can get cold quite easily if not insulated properly. Wear two pairs of socks, or try booties with a fleece or sheepskin lining.

    Around the House

    • Prevent your house from losing more heat than necessary by shrink-wrapping drafty windows. Manufacturers like 3M produce kits made especially for winter home insulation containing clear plastic sheeting and double-sided tape. Line the window with tape and adhere the plastic to the window. Trim the edges and shrink the wrap with a blow dryer. This forms a tight barrier between your precious heat and those cracked window sills.

      Keep your house cozy in other ways by cuddling up under throw blankets and use the occasional electric heater. Heaters need to be supervised at all times in case of an accident, but with an efficient heater you can isolate the room you are in at any given time and be toasty warm in minutes.

    Cold Weather Gadgets

    • Don't overlook old-fashioned remedies this winter, as these are often the most cost effective. Get a hot water bottle made of heavy duty plastic and a soft case to hold it so it doesn't burn you. Fill it two-thirds the way full with very hot water and the bottle will heat up quickly. Hot water bottles are excellent for heating a bed or having on your lap watching television. Similarly, drink hot liquids like tea of coffee to warm up from the inside out. If you are sensitive to caffeine, try a few soothing sips of hot water with a fresh squeeze of lemon.

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