When the colder months are rolling in, keeping your home warm becomes a top priority between managing your heating bills and trying to stay cozy because sometimes feel like a bit of a balancing act, understanding the smaller details like space heater wattage can help you to make smart choices and stay comfortable without wasting too much energy.

As it is coming into the winter months now, let’s take a look at some of the easiest ways that you can stay warm through the winter using both simple habits and smart home technology.

Use smart heating wisely. If you are currently relying on central heating, a smart thermostat can make a big difference. These devices let you set your schedules, adjust your temperatures remotely, and even learn your daily routine to keep up with you. This means that your house will stay warm when you need it and save energy when you don’t. Keeping your thermostat a few degrees lower when you’re sleeping or away from home can noticeably cut your costs while still keeping things comfortable.

  1. Layer up your house. You’d layer up your clothes on your body to keep warm, but layering your house can do the same thing. You want to trap the heat, so use thick curtains to block out the draughts, especially at night time. You can put these over existing blinds for that added layer of protection. Rugs on hardwood or tiled floors keep your feet warmer and help to insulate against the colt. But that doesn’t mean you can’t put rugs on the carpet. You can also add weather stripping to your doors and windows can also prevent warm air from escaping and stops the chilly air from creeping in. Even something as simple as using a door draft stopper can make your home feel cozier in an instant.
  2. Embrace the portable options. For some rooms that get colder than others, portable heaters can be a great solution. Modern models are efficient and come with safety features like automatic shut off if tipped over. You can use these only in the spaces that you occupy the most, rather than heating the entire house and wasting your money. Make sure to keep them on a flat surface and away from curtains or furniture, and if you know how much energy your heater is currently using, you’ll be able to plan better.
  3. Take advantage of the tech that you can use. Technology can help you to stay warm without constant effort. Smart plugs, for example, can control heaters, blankets or humidifiers from your phone on a timer. Electric blankets and heated mattress pads are also excellent for keeping you warm at night without cracking up the thermostat. They use less energy than heating the entire home and provide direct comfort where you need it the most.
  4. Warm up naturally. Sometimes the simplest of methods work the best. Open the curtains on the sunnier days to let in natural warmth and close them as soon as the sun sets to keep the heat inside. Cooking hearty meals or baking can also warm your kitchen while filling your home with comforting aromas. Don’t forget about flannel sheets, wool blankets, and thick socks, as all of these things will help you to retain heat.