It’s that time of year, when being outside makes my ears numb and my fingers sting. That time of year when there’s nothing better than opening a door, stepping inside, and letting the heat hit me like a blanket. I keep my thermostat up and don’t mind paying extra for it. But I’m not opposed to finding ways to simultaneously be warm and not broke.
Now, I need the air around me to be warm, and I don’t enjoy sitting in a cold house with a sweater and slippers on (though that can work for some). But there’s easier (and more cost-friendly) ways to heat up the air that is in my immediate vicinity.
1) Space Heaters
I love these things! I have one under my desk and it keeps my toes toasty. Space heaters are relatively inexpensive and easy to purchase, so setting one up next the couch, under the desk, or by the bed makes it easier to knock the thermostat temperature down a couple of degrees, and save some dough.
I remember that my mom wouldn’t let us get these as kids because they had a pretty high risk of catching on fire. But the manufacturers addressed these issues, and now, heated blankets are perfectly safe to use. Personally, I find full-size heated blankets a little bit too hot, but they make small size heating pads that are a square foot, give or take, and they’re perfect to warm feet or knees…or to curl up around. They’re like the upgraded version of a hot water bottle.
3) Candles
It is absolutely amazing how much heat a couple of candles can give off. I keep a few on my desk, scattered around me to create a sort of “warmth ring”. It is important to note, however, candles can be a safety hazard. So, keep them out of reach of little ones, pets, and those prone to clumsiness. And make sure they’re all blown out before bedtime.
4) Fire
The next step up from candles is to build a fire – but only if there is a working and clean fireplace at the residence. The same safety standards apply, of course, but on a larger level. However, fires can be great for keeping the bill down because they can heat a whole room, for just the price of wood.
5) Let there be light
Windows can have a sort of greenhouse effect on a living room (or bedroom). So, open up those blinds, curtains, or shutters. Also, making sure that windows and doors have proper seals from the cold can help lower the bill in general, and it’s not hard, regardless of where one lives, to find companies that make shutters (Cleveland).
