The winter weather has finally arrived, and with it, the winter cold. The cold air can wreak havoc on your body. When you're not working out, you're spending your time in front of the TV or sitting at home watching Netflix. You're probably not even exercising because you don't feel like it. This is a severe problem for many people who suffer from chronic illnesses and pain. Learning how to warm up every corner of your home is not only a great way to stay healthy during cold weather, but it's also an excellent method to combat any symptoms of fatigue or insomnia.
It is not necessary to keep your home at 68 degrees all the time if you have programmable HVAC system. You can set different temperatures for different times of the day. A programmable thermostat can save you money on heating and cooling, but it shouldn't be used with heat pumps. You can save between 10% and 20% of your electricity cost by turning the thermostat down while you're asleep or away from home. Some systems can store up to four temperature settings each day: morning, day, evening, and night. Manual override is available on all of them.
Installing a new thermostat can be done by most people. Removing the old thermostat and unfastening wire leads attached to back terminals is often all that is required. If necessary, install mounting screws in the wall before reconnecting the wires to the new thermostat's terminals. There may be four leads if you have separate heating and air conditioning systems that use the same thermostat.
The roof accounts for about 25 percent of the heat loss in a building. Installing 10 inches of loft insulation will significantly reduce this problem. The heat that escapes through the walls of an uninsulated home is responsible for about a third of the total heat loss. Cavity wall insulation can save you quite a bit a year on your heating bills, but it is more expensive to install than loft insulation. In addition, you should inquire with your energy provider about any insulation plans they may be offering that could entitle you to discounted or even free installation.
Use clever furniture arrangements while you're attempting to keep warm at home during the winter months. Make sure a sofa or a bed doesn't block the radiator to keep the room warm.
Place frequently used furniture around any heat source, such as your workstation, bed, and sofa, to get the most out of the warmth. If possible, keep them away from windows and doors where they could be exposed to draught.
During the colder months, you'll need more hot water. Reduce the water heater temperature from 140 degrees to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a shower instead of a bath. In comparison, a five-minute shower consumes only about 10 gallons of hot water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
The use of hot and cold water can be significantly reduced by installing low-flow showerheads in your bathrooms.
A rug or two on the floor can serve as a temporary fix if you don't have time to seal your boards. Layering rugs is a current trend, so you don't have to pick one massive design to cover a wider area, and your home will feel instantly cozier.
In homes with hard floors, investing in high-quality materials, such as a plush rug, can help prevent heat loss. If you have a carpeted home, it will naturally help boost insulation.
When it comes to draught-proofing your home's doors, it doesn't matter if they're new or old. Regardless of whether the door is inside or outside, this will work. You can buy a 'brush' or a hinged-flap draught excluder to fill the gap between the bottom of the door and the floor. Alternatively, a wacky novelty draught excluder might be more your style.
Cold and flu season is upon us, and you may be feeling the effects of these illnesses. If you're concerned about your health, it may be time to consider some of the tips that we have shared with you above.
