As the weather starts to feel that little bit colder in the air, now is when we feel the temptation to switch the heating on but resist it with all of our might! Of course, these days most people are resisting doing it because of the cost of leaving the heating on. But this is why we all need to think about the more simple and cost-effective approaches to staying warm without breaking the bank. Let’s show you some methods that are definitely worth putting in place now.
Curtains or Window Coverings
If you’ve got thin curtains, you can either swap them out for thicker curtains or add some thermal curtain lining that will make all of the difference. Blinds also can work this way as they act as insulation for the windows. But you need to remember that they should stay closed during the night to keep the heat inside but then open them during the day to let in natural sunlight to warm your home.
DIY Insulation
There’s quite a few approaches to keeping your house warm without heating, and one of the best approaches is to bubble wrap your windows. Bubble wrap over the glass is an excellent solution if your windows are blown or the seals are broken and you can’t afford to fix them. Bubble wrap works over the glass as the air bubbles work as insulating pockets. It can actually reduce heat loss by up to 50% while still letting light in. You should also look at the tops of your windows and see if those trickle vents shut. If you leave them open all the time, cold air can get in. But there are also other cheap approaches, including making your own DIY draft excluder.
Activating Your Inner Central Heating
A very simple thing, but you can easily warm up with a cup of tea. But you also need to remember that certain foods can activate what is known as thermogenesis, where your body starts to produce heat. The trick is to find foods that are slow to break down. Foods with low GI, such as oats, quinoa, brown rice, and other whole grains, take longer to digest, which releases warming energy while also preventing blood sugar spikes that can result in dips in your body heat. Also, look at foods like spices, such as ginger, as this has vasodilating properties, which basically means it relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow as a result. Spices like cayenne pepper can increase the heat factor in your body.
Be Efficient with Your Heating
Heating your entire home can be expensive, especially if you’ve got an older property with big cavernous spaces. It makes sense to take a calculated approach by investing in a programmable thermostat so you can set lower temperatures while you’re away from the house, but also focus on heating the rooms you use most frequently.
Naturally, looking at what you wear can also make a big difference. Wearing layers is practical and budget friendly as well; thermal of flannel sheets can trap heat more, so you can get a better night sleep and feel warm and cosy too.
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