People have been figuring out ways to stay warm in the winter since the beginning of time. Thankfully most of us have access to central heat during the winter now, but that doesn’t mean we should rely on it 100%. Heating/cooling your home is a big expense and if you can figure out a few frugal and easy ways to stay warm without depending on electricity then you could potentially save lots of money each winter. Today I’m sharing my top frugal tips for keeping warm in the winter.
Get Stuff Done
Don’t just sit around and whine about how cold you are, get up and do something! It doesn’t matter what you do, just start moving. Clean the house, organize your closet, cook dinner, exercise. By keeping active you will raise your body temperature and be able to turn your thermostat down to a lower temp which in turn will save you money.
Add an Extra Layer
If you’re cold then put on a sweater, a jacket, a blanker or a scarf instead of turning up the heat. It’s FREE and uses zero extra energy. Another great tip is to put on a hat. We lose a lot of heat through our heads so keeping it covered will keep you warm and cozy.
Drink Warm Liquids
Make a hot cup of tea/coffee or a batch of warm homemade soup. Drinking hot liquids helps to keep you warm and nourished. I’ve gotten into the habit of drinking a cup of chicken broth with my lunch during the winter and it really helps to keep the chill at bay!
Soak up the Sun
There are a lot of sunny days during the winter that you can take advantage of by simply opening your blinds and soaking up the warm rays from the comfort of inside your home. Most of us don’t get enough vitamin D during the winter, but you can combat this by sitting in the sunlight without a jacket on for at least 10 minutes at a time. You will also feel happier because sunlight boosts endorphins which we all need a little extra of during the winter months.
Take a Hot Bath
Taking a hot bath is a great way to stay warm and relaxed during the winter. This is one of my favorite ways to get rid of the chill on a cold winter night. Be sure to dry off and dress quickly afterwards before you get too cold again though!
Use Draft Dodgers
Something as simple as laying a sock filled with dried beans or rice in front of infrequently used doors can help keep the warm air where you want it and drafts out of your home. These are especially helpful on exterior doors.
Close off Unused Vents
If you have unused rooms in your house like an office or guest room, consider shutting heating vents for those areas. There is no sense in paying to heat those rooms if no one is ever in them.
Bake Bread
A delicious way to keep warm during the winter is to bake. It will get you moving and also the heat from the oven will warm your kitchen. When you are done using the oven leave the door open so that the warm air can circulate and warm the room even more.
Keep Windows and Doors Insulated
Check your windows and doors for drafts. If you feel any then you may want to caulk around them for extra insulation. You can also hang things like bubble wrap or blankets on your windows to keep the cold air out.
Build a Fire
If you have a wood stove or fireplace then take advantage of it! Using wood to warm you home is cheaper than central heat. Of course you will need to make sure everything is clean and working properly each season to stay safe and also have a stockpile of wood to burn.
I hope these tips have helped you! Feel free to add your own tip in the comment section below.
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