It's that time of year when the thermostat turns down and heating costs go up.
Luckily, there are many ways to stay warm this winter beyond turning on your central heating and adding wood to your fireplace.
Here are six ways to stay warm this season, whether you're at home or outside.
1. Space heater
Space heaters have long been popular for people who need to heat a small space or don't want to turn up the thermostat for the entire house.
Navy blue space heater on marble countertop (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Main reasons to use space heaters:
- Form factor: Space heaters are small and usually portable, making them convenient to unplug and plug and carry from one room to another. This is especially useful if you only want to heat the area where you are and not the entire house.
- Cost-effectiveness: Oil prices typically rise in the winter, so it may be cheaper to use a space heater that uses electricity rather than gas for heating.
- Temperature control: It can be difficult to control heat or cold with central heating, so a space heater gives you a little more control. You can also control how hot it gets by adjusting the temperature of your space heater and by moving closer to the heater.
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There are safety concerns with the use of space heaters, and improper use can cause a fire. In addition to keeping space heaters away from objects, crowding them, and placing them in areas where they can tip over, there are certain qualities you should look for in a good space heater. New space heaters usually include technological advancements to make them safer. Read below to learn about safety features to look for and our top picks for space heaters. How to effectively use heating equipment in the cold season.
2. Comfortable indoor equipment
A man staying warm with a blanket
This may seem like a very basic principle. To stay warm, wear more items. But new winter gear is taking warmth to a new level. Instead of layering your clothes around the house, you can keep things simpler and warmer by using a few well-chosen items. Whether it's made into a cozy blanket or an oversized sweater like a refillable hand warmer, you're sure to carry warmth from room to room. For these and other items, The best gift to stay comfortable all year round.
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3. Winter gloves
gray gloves with peach mug (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Good gloves are a winter necessity. However, not all gloves are created equal. Several features found in more modern gloves allow them to keep you warmer than gloves of the past.
- Touch screen compatible: At some point during the winter day or night, you will inevitably need access to your mobile phone. Nothing makes you suddenly colder than having to take off your gloves to use your cell phone. Touchscreen-enabled gloves typically have special fibers in the thumb and index finger that allow you to use your phone while wearing the gloves. If it's touchscreen compatible, you won't have to drop your phone.
- waterproof: Winter brings rain and snow in most areas, but nothing ruins your day by shivering like wet gloves. Not only will it be colder, but it will also be less likely to get colder and drier. However, waterproof gloves can help keep water and cold air out.
For recommendations on the best winter gloves in a variety of materials, Top 8 absolute best winter gloves that work with touchscreen.
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4. Smart thermostat
Ecobee smart thermostat (Ecobee)
In a pinch, it is absolutely necessary to turn on your central heating system during the cold winter months. If you need to heat several rooms at the same time, or if the temperature drops to a certain point, it may be time to turn on your central heating. To help keep costs under control, smart thermostats are available. One of the main reasons a smart thermostat can help you stay warm while saving money is that it learns you and your family's behavioral habits and automatically adjusts temperature settings. No more forgetting to turn off your heater before leaving the house because the thermostat automatically turns it off.
Read about our favorite smart thermostats and other ways to lower your bill. 3 important ways to keep temperatures warm and your bills down this winter.
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5.Wi-Fi thermostat
Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat (Sensi)
If you're ready for central heating but a smart thermostat is too expensive or isn't compatible with your system, a Wi-Fi thermostat can come in handy. Wi-Fi thermostats allow you to access your central heating system while you're away, so you can turn it off when you're away and turn it on when you get home to enjoy a warm interior. A comfortable home. You can check with the compatible app and turn off the heating if necessary, perfect for those days when you can't remember whether you turned the heating on or off.
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Learn the difference between smart and Wi-Fi thermostats, and which thermostats we recommend. Smart Thermostats vs. Wi-Fi Thermostats: Pros, Cons, and My Top 5 Recommendations.
6. Smart plug
Most people already understand that electronic devices plugged into electrical outlets use energy even when they're turned off. Smart plugs allow you to completely turn off the outlet. Additionally, smart plugs are a great way to control portable heating devices like space heaters and electric blankets.
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If you have an older model without an automatic shut-off feature, it's more likely to stay on, increasing the risk of it overheating and causing a fire. However, if you have a heating blanket or space heater connected to a smart plug, you can be sure it's not using energy when it's turned off, and if you accidentally turn it off. But you can usually connect it through a smart plug app. I left it as is. Learn more about how smart plugs work and which smart plugs we recommend. 7 ways to save money on your electricity bill.
Cart important points
Colder temperatures may be inevitable during the winter months, but that doesn't mean you can't find new ways to stay warm. Small and large additions to your life can add warmth and, in some cases, even save you money.
What are your tried and true winter staples? Are you someone who waits until you absolutely need to turn on your central heating, or do you turn it on as soon as you feel a bit cold? Email us Please let us know. Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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