How To Stay Warm This Winter Without Blowing The Budget

It’s no secret that living costs have risen in the last five years. As winter approaches, many families are worried about keeping warm. A recent survey revealed that 78% of US adults are stressed about the cost of energy bills. If you’re apprehensive about the arrival of cooler climes, we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll share some handy tips to help you stay warm this winter without blowing the budget. 

Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you click a link and then make a purchase.

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Embrace layering

One of the simplest and most affordable ways to keep toasty at home this winter is to embrace layering. Putting on more items of clothing can help you beat the cold. Thermals are a brilliant investment for indoor and outdoor wear. You can buy everything from thermal tights and socks to t-shirts and leggings. Adding a base layer under everyday outfits will make a huge difference, especially if your home tends to lose heat rapidly during the winter months. Compare prices online and look for flash sales and deals. You can use search engines to find the best offers or sign up for specific websites or brands to receive discount codes. It’s particularly beneficial to target areas of the body that lose heat fastest and those that feel the cold. Many people experience cold hands and feet in the winter, for example. Adding an extra pair of socks, buying thicker socks or using foot warmers can prevent freezing toes. 

Organize water heater and heating system checks before winter

There’s nothing worse than your heating system breaking down or having no access to hot water in the middle of winter. Before temperatures plunge and morning frosts appear, schedule routine checks and inspections and get any issues checked out. If you need water heater repairs, or you haven’t had your heating system serviced for years, now is the time to act. Minor issues can spiral into more serious problems that are expensive to fix. It’s not always possible to avoid faults, breakdowns or glitches during winter, but being prepared can reduce risks. Keep up to date with routine inspections and seek expert advice if you have any concerns or you notice warning lights or unusual odors or noises. 

Add a cozy feel to your home with heavy fabrics and soft furnishings

When it’s cold and gray outside, it’s tempting to hibernate indoors. There’s nothing like curling up on the couch after a busy day when temperatures tumble. You can add warmth and create a cozy feel in your home with heavy fabrics and soft furnishings. Simple things like scattering blankets on chairs and couches and adding a throw on the end of your bed can enhance aesthetic appeal while providing an easy, inexpensive way to stay toasty. Heavy-duty curtains can also help to reduce heat loss. The cost of cushions, rugs, blankets and throws varies hugely depending on the brand and the type of material. You can save by shopping at affordable stores, comparing prices online and snapping up deals, such as offers for Black Friday or Cyber Monday. If you see items you love in magazines or on social media and they’re too expensive, use search engines to find similar products at lower prices. There are some amazing designer dupes available. 

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Warm up with a hot water bottle

Using a hot water bottle is a brilliant way to keep warm if you’re staying in the same place for a while. If you work from home, for example, sitting at your desk with a hot water bottle will help you get warm without worrying about running your heating system all day. You can also use a hot water bottle to heat your bed before you climb between the sheets or get cozy on the sofa while you watch TV or read a book. 

Insulate your home

Insulation is designed to minimize heat loss and improve heat retention. There are several ways to insulate buildings, but not all of them are affordable for everyone. If you can’t afford insulation options like cavity wall or loft insulation, there are less expensive alternatives. Examples include using draft excluders and sealing the gaps between windows and doors. In some areas, it may be possible to access grants or financial help towards more robust insulation methods. Research online and contact the relevant local authorities to see if you are eligible. 

Replace windows and doors

Replacing windows and doors is an effective way to lower costs, improve insulation and make your home look more attractive. Buying new doors and windows is not cheap, but it can add substantial value to your home and lower your energy bills. If you’re exploring this idea, but prices are too high, some companies offer finance options, which enable you to spread the cost. This can make buying new, energy-efficient windows and doors more affordable. 

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Heat the rooms you use most

The cost of running your heating system constantly will soon add up once winter arrives. If you’re anxious about your energy bill, it’s wise to focus on heating the rooms you use most. There’s no point in spending money on heating your dining room or a guest bedroom if you don’t use these spaces, for example. You can save a lot of money without making sacrifices if you turn the radiators off in the areas where you don’t spend a lot of time. 

Keep your curtains open on sunny days

Closing your curtains can keep heat in if your heating system is running and it’s cold, windy or wet outside, but on sunny days, it’s a good idea to open your curtains wide. The heat from the sun will provide a free injection of warmth and access to natural light to save you from turning lights and lamps on. 

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As temperatures start to drop, many people will start worrying about the cost of keeping their homes warm. With winter around the corner, it’s beneficial to explore ways to stay warm without breaking the bank. Examples include scheduling hot water and heating checks before the cold weather arrives, layering up, adding coziness with soft furnishings, using a hot water bottle, opening your curtains on sunny days and insulating your home. In addition, you can also explore options like replacing doors and windows and heating the rooms you use most frequently. 

This is a contributed post.

Materials List

• thermal underwear for women
• thermal underwear for men
• warm blanket throw
• heavy duty curtains
• hot water bottle
• microwavable hot pack

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