How to Keep Warm Without Increasing Your Heating Bill
Oh, the weather is awful outside, but it’s February now, and all the delights of the cold have long been lost. With at least one more month of winter weather ahead, here are some tips to keep warm without turning up the thermostat.
First, try warming your hands yourself using melted ice pellets and a few resealable plastic bags. Take one gallon-sized bag and one snack-sized bag. Fill most ΒΌ with melted ice pellets. Then fill a smaller bag with water, and seal it most of the way. Carefully place the smaller bag into the larger one, and when you are ready to activate, simply squeeze water over all of the pellets. Wrap it in a dishcloth, T-shirt, or pocket it warm for a few hours.
Next, make your heating pad by placing a few damp kitchen towels in an open, resealable bag for one minute in the microwave. Close the bag and wrap it in a towel to use as a heating pad, or place it directly on your bed to be nice and toasty when it’s time to go to bed.
To improve the thermal conductivity of your radiator, glue aluminum foil (shiny side out) to the wall behind it. This will reflect the heat and radiate it back into the room.
Finally, here are some simple warm-up tips:
- Leave the oven door open after cooking.
- Turn the ceiling fans backwards to blow warm air down.
- Block door drafts with pool noodles or bubble wrap.
- Do a few things to sweat and keep your place clean
Just keep your feet warm and remember that spring is coming.