Arm yourself against cold nights
Try these cost-effective and easy ways to keep you and your family warm during cold nights.
Check windows and doors
Look for gaps or cracks where cold draughts might sneak in. Seal them, and recaulk windows where necessary. During the day, it’s important to try and use as much natural heat as possible, so curtains and blinds should be left open to allow sunlight in. In the evenings, make it a family rule to shut all doors and windows that aren’t being used, and for all curtains and blinds to be closed. Plus, keep all doors to unused rooms closed and place a draught excluder at the base of the door. The more space and rooms you have ‘open’, the more heat and energy it’ll take to warm them all up.
Add humidity
Humid air feels warmer – the higher the humidity in a room, the more heat the air can hold. No humidifier? Leave the door open while you shower. You could also leave a bowl of water in your bedroom overnight. Another bonus is that you’ll be less likely to suffer from dry skin thanks to the added humidity!
Get active
Exercise helps to increase your metabolic rate, and accelerates body heat production. Cardio increases blood circulation, while strength training increases heat production in the muscles. Not only will the exercise help you to battle the bulge, it also produces the feel-good hormone serotonin, so you’ll boost your mood too.
Time to reassess your flooring
If your home has tiled or hardwood floors, look at placing a few carpets in various spots around the house. The carpets will act as a layer of insulation, trapping cold air underneath, which will help to keep your feet nice and warm.
Speaking of your feet…
Invest in a pair of comfy slippers. Just be sure that they have rubber soles – rubber is a bad conductor of heat and will keep your feet warm. In terms of the rest of your clothing, its best to layer up! Use jerseys and vests as well as warm pants.
