Days are shorter, which means the lights are on for longer, and clothing is heavier and in the dryer longer. As soon as the temperature drops, we all dive for our heaters, which guzzle electricity and are no substitute for a cozy blanket and a hot cup of soup or hot chocolate.
- Lighten upOpen blinds or curtains on
north-facing windows during the day to let in the sun. Close them in the
evening to add a bit more insulation
- Block draftsMake sure that your house is sealed
and insulated. Check for chinks that let in cold air! Badly fitting
windows and spaces under doors need to be attended to. Keeping your
curtains closed helps to seal in the heat too
- Bundle upBe sure to dress for the weather -
wear layers of warm clothing (long underwear, sweaters, socks, hats,
scarves, gloves) and use a blanket instead of switching on a heater.
It’s cozy. And don’t forget: house slippers go a long way to keeping you
warm!
- Energy-efficient heatingIf you still need more
warmth, use an energy-efficient two-kilowatt fan heater or a gas or
small-bar heater to heat single rooms. Use heaters that have
thermostats. Put the heater close to you – it’s you who needs the
warmth, not the entire room. Unplug the heater when not in use. This
will help reduce your electricity cost and at the same time ensure the
safety of your home. Avoid using under floor heating unless really
necessary.
- Insulation saves electricityThe more insulated
your home, the easier it is to maintain a comfortable indoor
temperature. If you want to be warmer in winter (and cooler in summer),
make sure your ceiling is insulated, as about 40% of heat loss takes
place through the roof. Effective winter insulation also includes
covering glass windows (where heat escapes) with heavy curtains and
blinds, and closing gaps around doors (to stop cold air drafts).
Insulation slows heat transfer and makes your home warmer in winter.
- Heat one roomOnly heat the room you are using.
If you are going to be working at your laptop while a meal is being
cooked, stay somewhere near the stove to feel its heat.
- Use a fireplaceIf you have a working fireplace, there's nothing cosier than a blazing fire while the wind howls and rain pours down outside.
- FlooringWooden floors are warmest. If you have tiles on the floor, invest in some cosy rugs.
- ExerciseWinter tends to make us lazy and
laziness makes us colder. When we exercise, our body temperatures go up,
we drink more water and we feel better. Try to walk or cycle to and
back from work. It will take a lot longer for you to feel cold again
when you arrive back home and that will translate into savings. An
exercised body needs less artificial heating around it and will be more
resistant to winter maladies such as colds and flu
- Lastly, going to bed?
Use a hot water bottle to warm your bed and substitute the electric blanket with an extra blanket.
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