How to Stay Warm While Conserving Energy

There are many reasons to keep the heat low. Lowering bills and using fewer finite resources are among those reasons. However, that doesn't mean you have to freeze all the time, even if you have a tendency toward being cold. There are ways you can keep warm even with the thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Socks
• Blankets
• Sweaters
• Hot water
• Hat
• Plastic Covering

Things You Can Do For Your House

1. Put down carpeting. Even if you have wood or tile floors, throw rugs or area rugs will keep the cold air that rises up from the ground from making your room cold. Wall-to-wall carpeting is the best way to keep cold air down where it belongs.

2. Cover or replace windows. If you can, get energy efficient windows that have several different panes to keep out drafts. There are also several ways to cover windows so that cold air stays out. You can get thermal blinds, or simply hang drapes or curtains over them. The more layers, the less cold air gets through. You can also cover the windows with plastic coverings during the winter, adding another layer of insulation to them.

3. Fill or cover holes. There are often many little holes where cold air sneaks into your house. The bottoms of doors are a prime culprit, so lay a towel or other padding in front of any doors leading to the outside. Close the doors and vents to rooms that you don't use--there's no reason to heat in there. Caulk little holes around windows, bathtubs, sinks, or outlets.

Things You Can Do For Yourself

4. Wear socks. Once your feet are warm, the rest of you will feel warmer, too.

5. Wear a hat. A great deal of body heat escapes from your head; don't let it!

6. Layer clothing. Wear a sweatshirt or sweater over a t-shirt. Wear tall socks or long underwear under jeans or sweats. These things will be comfortable but still keep you warm, and you can remove a layer if you get too warm or constricted.

7. Take a bath. Immersing yourself in hot water gets you warm immediately, and the effect lasts for hours. Keep this one for very cold nights, though, because it also takes energy to heat a bath, so you don't want to do it too often.

8. Drink warm liquids. Hot liquids warm you up from the inside out. I drink coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon, and hot water at night. My kids like hot chocolate--though you do want to be careful of the caffeine and sugar content.

9. Wrap up under a blanket. If you're reading or watching TV, throw a blanket over yourself. If you're in bed, layer beneath two or three blankets, and if you get too warm (as we tend to do in our sleep), kick one off.

10. Snuggle up. People are warm blooded, even if they tend toward cold like I do. Snuggle up with your significant other, or pull a child onto your lap. You'll both be plenty warm enough before long.