How to keep your home warm

Winter can bring chilly temperatures and harsh weather conditions, making it essential to find effective ways to stay warm. You’ll also want to consider energy and cost-saving methods.

Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, here are some practical tips and strategies for staying cozy and comfortable during the colder months.

How to dress for warmth

Wearing the right clothing can help you retain the heat from your body more effectively and help you keep heating bills low.

You’ll want to wear layers to trap heat, as it’s more effective than one thick layer.

How to layer?

• Base: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep your skin dry. Materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics work best here. Look for items in stores labeled as “thermals” or “base layers.”

• Middle: Adding an insulating layer, such as a fleece or down jacket, in between layers can help trap body heat.

• Outer: If you’ll be outside, finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to protect against the elements.

Make sure you don’t forget your extremities, as they are more vulnerable to heat loss.

To protect your extremities:

• Hats: Wear a warm hat to prevent heat loss from your head. Beanies or earflap hats are a good choice.

• Gloves: Use insulated gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm. You may even want to try fingerless gloves to wear inside, as they can hold warmth whilst keeping your fingers accessible.

• Scarves: Wrap a scarf around your neck to protect against cold air. Smaller scarfs can also be a great indoor option.

• Socks: Opt for thick, woolly socks around the house to keep your feet warm and dry. Under shoes, you may prefer thinner, thermal socks, depending on how your shoes fit.

• Shoes: Choose insulated, waterproof shoes or boots for outdoor activities. Inside, you can try a fluffy slipper over your socks to keep toasty.

A note on fabrics

Certain fabrics make better choices for heat loss prevention.

• Cotton: Though cotton is comfortable, it can lose warmth if it becomes damp. If it might become wet, cotton is not the best choice for keeping warm.

• Down: Down is extremely insulating whilst also being lightweight. However, it can be expensive, so you may find a cheaper option that includes a blend of synthetic fabric in combination with down.

• Wool: Wool is great for insulation and moisture-wicking. Natural wools include merino, cashmere, and alpaca. Again, wool can be pricey, so blends can be a suitable cheaper option.

• Fleece: Fleece is made from polyester (a synthetic material). Though it may be slightly less warm than natural materials, it is also known to be particularly warm and lightweight, too.

How to keep your home warm

Though you may feel that just being inside is enough protection from the worst of the cold, in fact, 20% of all cold-related injuries happen in the home.

Insulate your house:

• Weatherstripping: Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent drafts. However, be sure not to block up air vents that are necessary for circulating fresh air to breathe.

• Curtains: Use heavy curtains to keep cold air out and warm air in. Open curtains and blinds during the day to let in sunlight and close them at night for insulation.

• Rugs: Place rugs on hardwood or tile floors to add an extra layer of insulation. As well as being practical, this tip can add a cozy feel to your environment.

Use heating effectively:

• Thermostat: Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature. Recommendations generally suggest that your home should be at least 18°C (65°F). However, if you are older or have certain conditions, the safest temperature for you is likely to be even higher. To save energy, consider using a programmable thermostat.

• Radiators and heaters: Don’t block radiators or heaters, as this can prevent heat from reaching all areas of a room. Move furniture away from radiators so that warm air can circulate better. Blocking heaters can also be dangerous, so make sure to follow usage instructions.

• Space Heaters: Use space heaters in frequently used rooms to provide additional warmth. However, be aware of potential risks and always use with caution.

How to keep your body warm

• Hot water bottle: A hot water bottle is a cheap way to keep warm. Just be sure to never use boiling hot water and check the bottle for leaks prior to use. Also, use the hot water bottle outside of your clothes, never directly on your skin.

• Stay active: Though it can be tempting to stay huddled up in the cold weather, physical activity actually generates body heat, so it’s a good idea to stay active to keep warm. Even getting up every hour to move around can make a huge difference.

• Move location: If you’re outdoors, take regular breaks to warm up inside. If the sun happens to be shining, you can also try to take advantage of warmer spots in the house or outdoors.

• Keep dry: Wear waterproof clothing and footwear to stay dry outside, as wet clothing can lead to faster heat loss. If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible to avoid getting cold. This also includes sweat, so try to wear sweat-wicking materials or switch clothes if they become damp.

• Hot drinks: Sip hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate throughout the day. Though they may not raise your core body temperature, they can help prevent shivering.

• Nutrition: Make sure you eat regular, balanced meals to provide your body with the energy it needs to stay warm. Hot meals are a great option to warm up. Also, keeping hydrated helps regulate your body temperature.

Takeaway

By following strategies, such as wearing layers, staying active, and not blocking radiators, you can stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter months.

Proper clothing choices, lifestyle strategies, and smart heating practices can make a significant difference in keeping the cold at bay without costing too much.