10 Ways To Stay Warm

Table of Contents

How Can You Stay Warm In the Winter?

Time To Settle In And Get Warm

Winter is just around the corner and the heat inside our house is on. For the next few months we will be hibernating at home and staying warm. The colder it gets in our space, the more heat we need to keep us warm. The following suggestions are 10 ways to stay warm throughout the winter while saving money.

As the costs of the electricity provider rises in your city, these simple adjustments will help lower the energy bills. Keeping cost effectiveness and resource allocation in mind, apply some of these ways to stay warm.

How Can I Save Money On My Heating?

Number 1-Weather Stripping

Weather Stripping-Weather stripping is used in the winter to help seal any gaps in doors and windows that let cold air in and let heat out. If air is coming through the windows, this simple measure can help close the gaps and ward off air from entering inside. The cost of one pack of weather stripping is anywhere between $15 — $30.

Number 2-Painter’s Plastic

Painter’s Plastic-This comes in rolls. A roll for $30 can cover all the windows throughout an average size detached house. The plastic creates an air gap between your room and the glass. Cut the painter’s plastic larger than your window and use painter’s tape to stick it to your wall. Pull it tight so that there are no wrinkles or waves in the plastic. The downside is that you will not be able to see outside your window. Even though light will enter inside, you will not be able to look outside your window. So I would only use it in a room that is not frequently used to stop cold air from coming in.

Number 3-Double Layer Of Clothing

Double Layer of Clothing-There is no need to wear a t-shirt in the middle of winter. This is a sign that the heat is on too high. If the heat is on in the house, it is because without it the house is cold. It should be warm enough for you to wear a warm sweater or sweatshirt in your house.

When you feel too cold start with a double layer of clothing. Wear one long sleeved thin shirt as your base layer and then a sweater or sweatshirt over top. Additionally, wear long johns and a comfortable warm pair of jogging pants. If you feel hot, remove one layer and when you feel the opposite, add a layer of clothing.

Lather cream on your skin to keep it from getting dry, causing static on your clothing after you shower and before you layer up.

Number 4-Blankets

Blankets-The rooms you spend the most time in are places where you want to have a blanket. Whether you spend time in your office, family room, or basement, these rooms need that extra blanket in case you feel cold. Even after double layering you may feel the need for more. A blanket is warm, soft and will help you stay comfortable. There is a blanket wrapped around me as I share this message. Good blankets can last many years as long as they are properly taken care of.

Number 5-Wear Long Thick Socks

Wear Long Thick Socks-There are many great styles of long socks, ones that go up to our knees. For the most part I have seen them only for women but I know that there are long sock options for men as well. They have kind of revived from the 1980s when thick bulky leg warmers were in.

These long socks are the same, but a slightly thinner material and a bit more stylish. I purchased some thick winter socks to wear around the house. At ten dollars each and likely to last for a few years, they are very warm and worth the price. If your feet feel cold this is a great way to warm them up.

Number 6-Drink Warm Liquids

Drink Warm Liquids– Enjoy a nice warm beverage or two throughout the day. Sipping on hot drinks like tea, coffee or lemon with hot water helps you stay warm. Along with a blanket over you, a warm beverage will comfort a cold body.

Women can drink loads of peppermint tea and not spend a dime if they grow peppermint in their backyard during the summer. This is what I did. I have a lot of peppermint tea for this winter, all free. Peppermint is not favourable for men because it is a hormone regulator for women.

However, men can drink green tea, which is very good for you. Green tea has a lot of health benefits for men and green tea is not expensive, although it is not free like peppermint tea.

Disclaimer: Please speak with your healthcare provider about this suggestion if you have undergone a gender transition. I do not know which tea is better for you to drink but your doctor will know the answer.

Overall, drinking warm liquids for adults is a really nice way to stay warm.

10 ways to stay warm

Number 7-Eat Hot Soup or Spicy Foods

Eat Hot Soups or Spicy Foods– Even though eating spicy foods is good to enjoy in the winter, be careful. If you normally eat mild foods, try something just a little bit spicier than what you normally can handle when you are feeling cold.

Going all out on eating spicy food will wreak havoc in your body afterwards if you cannot handle it. Be careful how far you go. It is probably better to go for hot lentils and soups. They are much safer to try instead of going for stir fried spicy dishes, for example. Strong flavours like green chilli peppers, red chilli flakes or jalapeños are good items to add in dishes, but within reason.

Number 8-Candles

Candles-When the weather is cold and you want a little extra heat, light a large scented or unscented candle. Use it in the room you are in. Little tea lights will not give as much heat as a much larger candle will. Therefore, use something bigger and keep it lit in your home for at least an hour.

Place it in a safe space, away from children and pets. Also, be in the same room where the candle is. Do not be in another room while the candle is burning. If you leave the room unattended for more than a minute take the candle with you. Always use candles in the house with caution.

Number 9-Insulate Your Garage

Insulate Your Garage- If the room above the garage is used frequently, consider having the garage insulated. This is usually a bedroom above a garage.

Growing up my bedroom was above the garage. It was always cold. Sometimes it was so cold, I had to use a small electric heater in the bedroom to keep me warm. This heater would run for hours while I slept at night and it was not quiet. One great way to save your money and keep your family warm is by insulating the garage. Even though it will not make the room protected from the cold, it will still make a big difference.

Number 10-Open Your Oven

Open Your Oven- Any time you use your oven for baking, keep it open afterwards. The residual heat will give you around 30 minutes of extra warmth in the room. Keep it open and save turning the heat on in the house on high during this time.

Bonus-Fireplace

There are many other ways we can stay warm. Those who have a fireplace, lucky you. Having a wood burning fireplace is one of my favourite ways to stay warm. Unfortunately, I do not have a fireplace, just a fire pit, good for outdoor use only.

When you have a fireplace, you are self-sufficient with heating your home as well as cooking food in case the power goes out. You do not need electricity for heat. As well as, you will not have a high heating bill.

Over the years, having a wood burning fireplace is being frowned upon. This is why gas and electric fireplaces have become a fad in people’s homes. It makes no sense though if the power is out and you cannot turn on your electric fireplace.

However, electrical companies are paid to generate electricity for running an artificial fireplace. Heat-wise, you will remain warm. Cost-wise, I do not think you save any money.

Summary — 10 Ways To Stay Warm

Without spending extra on energy costs, make use of some of these ways to protect yourself from the cold this winter. Avoid getting a cold by applying some of these suggestions to stay warm.

Hope you have a safe and warm budget friendly Fall/Winter.

**Original Post published on November 4, 2021 on mcinthehouse.com**

**Newly published on November 13, 2023**