Recently at EcoFriendlyDaily.com we talked about turning down the temperature of your heating systems thermostat and how this saves energy. Another way to save energy on heating is to simply bundle up. We’ve all heard the old adage about layering clothes in cold weather keeps you warmer. Well it turns out to be very true! Plus if your house temperature is lower due to your programmable thermostat this is something you may want to think about to keep your body a little warmer naturally. By donning an extra layer you may even be able to turn the thermostat down a degree or two more, saving even more energy and money!
How about wearing a big warm knitted sweater over your t-shirt, sporting thick fuzzy socks or switching to thermal underwear? All these items contribute to layering. Even if you don’t wear the sweater or cardigan all day, it’s good to have one nearby when you do feel a chill. When we’re doing chores around the house it’s easy to keep warm, but once we stop our body temperature drops and it’s easy to feel the rooms cooler temperatures.
Photo by llse from Flickr
For the evening time spent in the family room watching TV with the children how about a blanket or shawl? Just add a few strategically placed folded blankets around the family room and the family will soon get the idea. Plus it’s always nice to snuggle up under a blanket with a family member.
And so to bed. If you normally wear light cotton nightwear how about switching to something thicker and warmer like flannel. Same with the bed linens. There are some great ‘winterizing’ bed linens that keep the body heat in and reflected. Another good night time idea would be to keep any sleeping bags you use for camping under the bed, then if you get cold simply add the sleeping bag over the bed, or climb inside. Good quality sleeping bags can keep you warm in freezing temperatures and are great for children who love camping at any time, even indoors!
Remember too that pets can also feel the cold in winter especially those short coated breeds. So if your house is on the cool side at night invest in a sweater or a blanket for the dog/cat so they stay warm. They are after all part of the family too!
