The 3 Cheapest Ways to Stay Warm During Winter

The value of the dollar isn't what it used to be. With that said, people need more ways to cope with the high cost of heating their dwellings. The Energy Information Administration, which is a statistics department of the U.S. Department of Energy, has estimated that costs when using electricity, nastural gas, and heating oil could spike up in cold weather months between 5 to 30 percent all across the United States in the future. It is sobering news for anyone, especially those on a fixed income or trying to raise a family. There are three factors which you can control for very little money that will make a much more bearable winter season. Controlling what you wear, giving your home a make over without renovating, and keeping your thermostat in check makes for a cozy living arrangement.

What to wear:

It doesn't take a genious to figure out that you need to make a wardrobe change when it gets chilly outside. However, there are certain things you can put on that hold more heat than others. Layering is a old, simple advice for holding in the heat your body already creates. You need a base layer next to your skin that serves to soak up any moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable. Thermion, Thinsulate, Thermax, Coolmax, polypropolene, and silk are wonderful for your first layer, they will keep you from having sweat cool your body down. The medium layering needs to be an insulating material, such as fleece, wool, or down to create a warm airflow around you and keep it there. To avoid having to change clothing constantly or spike your bills from doing tons more laundry, choose waterproof outer layers. Nylon jackets or coats lines with fleece will keep you dry in icy, rainy, or snowy conditions. Don't forget your insulated gloves or mittens, and head gear when facing the outdoor weather. Back inside your home, you can peel these outer layers off and leave the others to make you more comfortable.

Warm Home Additions:

There are all kinds of things you can put in or hang up that will keep your house warm. Most heat is lost around the windows and doors, and you would be surprised how much money you lose here. You most likely have everything you need to seal these areas up already hanging around. If not, you can check into the local thrift stores, yard sales, or make these items yourself. Changing your window coverings will keep lots of your heat inside, by restricting the cold air from coming as well. In the summer it is good to have light, airy curtains and let the sun shine in. For winter, you may want to consider switching to heavier drapes and blinds. Some curtains come with a solar panel that attracts heat inside the home. These can be bought from any major retailer or made from solar blankets found in camping stores. Others are called "black out drapes," and can aid in keeping cold air out. Adding fixed blinds, windows, or screen with drapes up to a small entry porch or larger walk in porch will block the coldness from blowing in. Some people put up thick blankets to their doors and windows as a cheap way to save on their bills. I have tried it, and it really has saved me up to $100 less a month on my heating bill. Consider thick, padded floor coverings especially if you have tile or brick floors as well.

Controlling the Thermostat:

It's tempting to jack the temperature of your heating controls up when it's so cold, but you will pay dearly in the long run. It doesn't have to be 80 degrees just to be comfortable inside our home. The most desirable temperatures range between 65 and 70 degrees, which happen to be among the safest for young babies and children. The heat should only click on when it drops below that inside, and if it seems to come on too often you may want to have it checked. A thorough yearly check up and cleaning just before the freezing hits will keep your heating system working properly and your cost down. Choosing a few designated rooms for everyone to congregate in when it's cold, saves you from having to heat the whole house. Those with central heating units can forego running the system for the whole house by using a cheap, low wattage heater with a fan for air circulation on a low to medium setting as in most areas electricty is the cheapest way to heat. Make sure to read the operating instructions and precautions before using any heaters. Always make sure that it's warm enough to keep your pipes from freezing. Water pipes can be wrapped with insulation or heating blankets inside and under the house to avoid costly repairs in the dead of winter. Believe it or not, ceiling fans used on low will help the warm air to circulate the whole area. They also blow this air back down towards the floor, creating a constant rush of warmth and prevent it from all going to the top of the house. Cooking makes lots of heat, which can be directed toward other rooms with a strategically placed fan. Electronics, such as televisions and computers, emit a good amount of heat to aid in keeping rooms warm. You may notice that your living area seems to stay more cozy than the other rooms. Late at night when everyone is in bed is when you can get your biggest savings. Turn your thermostat down to 65 degrees, and you won't notice the cold when you're dressed warmly snuggled under thick blankets. Children should also be dressed properly in thermal pajamas or one piece fleece sleepers, making sure that the feet and chest is dressed properly will keep a child warm. Some people are more apt to use electric mattress pads or blankets, however, these sould be used with caution and only when awake. It is never a good idea to let an infant or child sleep with one. A low cost and easily accessible alternative is for adults to use a couple of hot water bottles when sleeping. You can wrap these inside of a towel or waterproof covering for security and to avoid scalding. Most users put one near their feet and one close to the chest to conserve body heat.

When it comes down to heating and saving money, it doesn't matter if you are in an apartment or a large home. Everyone wants and needs to stay warm while being able to enjoy life's much needed comforts. Anyone can use these tips regardless of what their budget is, and still see a savings that may mean the difference between the haves and the have nots. Checking with your local services about programs and support for heating and weatherization can help you get through the tough times in the winter.