In this economy, saving even just a few dollars can make a pretty big difference sometimes. One way to do this is by keeping your heater off in the winter months.
First, close all of your windows properly. This includes making sure storm windows are installed and closed in place if you have them.
Windows should be latched. Open them during the day if the outside temperature is higher than the inside.
Keep your windows air-tight. You may want to purchase removable window-caulk or plastic to better seal them.
At a minimum, stuff a towel or shirt in front of any noticeable leaks. Use cheap clear shower curtains over the windows that receive sun light.
This will keep the cold air out, and the warmth from the sun will heat your house without cold air coming in. You could also cover your windows with clear plastic sheets and make it airtight.
Be sure to seal your doors. Check around the door frame and also under the door.
You may want to buy weather stripping or a door sweep. Again, at minimum, make a draft dodger or stuff a towel at the bottom of the door.
Use smaller rooms. If, for example, you have a bedroom that is much smaller than your living room you could choose to use it as your bed-sitting room.
Close off any un-used rooms. The closed door makes that room another barrier between you and the frigid outdoors.
It also stops air from circulating as much, which reduces heat loss. Also, home improvement stores sell magnetic register covers to ‘shut off’ forced air furnace registers in unused rooms.
That way when the heater does click on, only the registers in the rooms you use will pump out heat. This makes for more efficient use of the heater.
Check that all heat registers are adjusted open, especially where plumbing pipes might freeze. Unblock cold air returns in heated rooms so heat can circulate efficiently.
Put up curtains. A set of heavy curtains can block a draft.
Open them when the sun is shining and close them when it is not. Try putting down a rug or carpet.
Add insulation in the attic and the crawl space. You could always try warming up through exercise!
Twenty minutes of vigorous exercise can warm you up and keep you warm well after the exercise session. In addition to that, our healthy body is generally more tolerant of the cold.
Be sure to dress warmly. A hat is your number one friend at a time like this.
A large percentage of body heat loss occurs in the head region, so it is crucial to keep your head covered. A turtleneck sweater can work wonders.
Dress in layers, especially with wool or cotton clothing. Do not wear your winter coat or you will have nothing else to put on when you go outside.
When you are sitting still, wrap yourself up in a blanket. Try wearing some leggings-if you still get cold legs then you could buy a two pack of black tights from your local shop.
Just make sure they are opaque. Wear one or more pairs over each other under your clothes, this will provide your body with another layer of clothing to trap warm air in.
Cooking can heat up your kitchen! Steam will raise the moisture level in your home, making the air more dense, and it uses more energy to heat humid air.
Limit cooking that gives off steam, as this will increase the humidity in the air and make your house damp. Make cookies or a pie instead, as your oven will help to dry the air and heat the kitchen.
The kitchen will be warm while you are cooking, and then you can have a great home cooked meal too! Drinking warm beverages in the winter is fun as well-try hot chocolate or wassail.
A candle/candles can produce a lot of heat, just be mindful of where they are placed and do not leave them unattended. A trip to most any grocery store or discount store can provide you with a number of candles for a cheap price.
Last but not least, find a friend or pet to snuggle with. This is the most fun suggestion of all!
The living body of any warm-blooded being is a furnace unto itself. Now save money, and most of all, stay warm!
Terry Daniels is a former electrical engineer and has written hundreds of articles relating to air conditioning and heating. He recommends (http://www.theheatstorm.com) for your indoor or outdoor heaters.
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