How to Stay Warm Without Heating
Brrrr, it’s getting chilly out there!
Energy bills are soaring in Scotland, so learning how to keep warm without cranking up the heating has become a valuable skill.
Our trusted team at TotalSeal Repairs have put together a little guide on how you can stay warm without relying on your central heating.
Insulation Techniques to Stay Warm Without Heating – By Misted Window Repair Experts
The first rule of staying warm is keeping hold of the heat you already have in your home. Luckily, there are cheap and easy ways to keep the warmth inside, so you don’t need to touch your thermostat.
Seal Draughts Around Windows and Doors
Cold air sneaking inside through tiny gaps around windows and doors can drastically drop your indoor temperature.
An easy and quick test to check is moving a lit candle slowly around your window and door frames. If the flame flickers, you’ve found a draught.
Thankfully, there are cheap solutions available at any hardware store or online. These include:
- Draught excluders
- Weatherstripping tape
- Foam sealant
You can even use an old pair of tights and fill it with dried rice or lentils, place it below your door or window to help insulate your rooms.
Keep Curtains Open During the Day, Closed at Night
It might be cold outside, but the sun still generates a lot of power to keep you warm.
For a free heat source, pull your curtains and blinds fully open during daylight hours. As soon as dusk falls, close both your curtains and blinds to create an extra layer of insulation. This stops the warmth from escaping through your window panes. It also allows your neighbourhood to catch a glimpse of your festive window displays.
Investing in quality thermal curtains can help retain heat and make a noticeable difference in your living conditions. While they won’t retain warmth as effectively as double glazing, they can still help reduce heat loss and lower your heating bills.
Warming Your Body Without Heating the Entire Space
Heating yourself rather than your whole house can be much more cost-effective. If you live alone or don’t need to heat your whole house, these easy methods can help you stay warm and cosy.
Layer Your Clothing Strategically
Multiple layers of clothes are always better than one. Layers of clothing trap warm air close to your body, helping you stay comfortable.
It is smart to start with a thermal base layer, like heat tech or a classic thermal undershirt, and then add jumpers, hoodies, and dressing gowns on top.
Warmer materials such as wool and fleece are much better at retaining heat than breathable fabrics like cotton.
Your hands and feet might get cold too. Make sure to buy a pair of fingerless gloves and a thick pair of fluffy socks to keep your feet and fingers warm throughout winter.
Use Hot Water Bottles and Heat Packs
Hot water bottles offer classic heat protection, and can stay warm for up to 6 hours!
Place one between your bed sheets about 30 minutes before bedtime for a warm welcome. During the day, you can keep it on your lap or tucked behind your back for added body heat.
You can also try heat pads; some can provide up to 10 hours of heat, a great option to combat the cold winter weather.
Electric Blankets for Targeted Warmth
Today’s electric blankets are much safer and reliable than the dangerous models of the past.
Some models even come with useful features like times and variable heat settings, making them both safe and much more cost-effective than turning up your thermostat to heat rooms you’re not using.
Cheap Heating Solutions to Stay Warm
Terracotta Pot Heater
For a cheap and low-cost heating solution, place a fey tea lights under a terracotta flower pot heater.
The clay from the pot absorbs the heat from the flames and radiates the warmth around the nearby area.
Just be sure to take care if you have children or pets around, as the pot and open flames can get very hot and should always be used safely.
Cooking for Warm Food and a Warm House
Your kitchen appliances pump out considerable heat while in use.
Cooking slow-cooked meals like stews, slow roasts, and soups on cold days help warm up your body temperature when eating, as well as your home’s temperature as you cook.
Once you have finished with the oven, leave the door open slightly to allow that warmth to heat your kitchen.
Contact TotalSeal Repairs to Stay Warm at Home This Winter
While these methods can help you stay warmer, if your home still feels colder than usual, it might be a sign that your windows aren’t functioning as they should. And if ice is forming on your windows, you’ll need to get that checked out as quickly as possible.
Other signs your windows may not be functioning as they should include cracks, misted windows, and persistent draughts.
Our team at TotalSeal Repairs specialise in professional window repairs. We can help fix draughts to keep the warmth where it should be: inside your home. With our proper sealing and window repairs, we can dramatically improve your home’s heat retention, helping you save money on your bills without the cost of a window replacement.
For more information or to receive a free quote, reach out to our Glasgow team today on 0141 280 4089.
