The snow or rain is dancing at your window, and soon you’ll have to wipe down your car, clear the driveway, or brace yourself for a chill when going outdoors. While inside you yearn to stay warm, but you don’t want to crank the heat due to electricity waste. Surely, there must be “green” ways to keep warm indoors! Historically, people kept farm animals inside to help increase the heat—but you don’t need to go that far to implement basic energy-saving tips. Here are great ways to make your home greener in a breeze.
- Invest in Indoor Booties.
If you take your warmth and health seriously and want to be operating at full capacity when getting errands done at home, think about ditching the socks and slippers and pulling on “real” winter boots indoors. While heavy, cloggy boots might be a bit uncomfortable for all-day wear, you can consider quality wool boots like Australia’s Uggs brand, or an easy-to-wear warm boot that meets the following requirements:- It has a sole thick enough that you would be able to wear it outside in the snow or sleet (again, no sandals or slippers please).
- It is comprised of wool or thick synthetic material.
- It offers comfortable lining against your foot, like wool or plush, to keep you cozy all day.
- It is high-topped, reaching anywhere from ankle to knee.
You can spend as much as $300 on a high-quality wool boot or seek out a $20 bargain at a local department store sale.
- Consider Solar Panels.
Everyone wants to help the environment and their energy bill, but is winter a time to do so? Yes! The cold temperature can improve solar panel efficiency, and sunlight glaring off white snow can help productivity as well. The trick is to keep snow from blocking the panels. One way of doing this is by positioning panels at an angle, so the snow can slide off. If you insist on cranking the heat in winter, then this might be the time to consider saving long-term by investing in panels. - Invest in Quality Carpeting.
If you live in a mostly cold town, then you might already have full carpeting in your home. If you don’t and heat is a constant issue, then it’s time to think about getting your floors covered up. If that’s too drastic a step for you, or if your home heats up in the summer, then opt instead for quality roll-up rugs. Some things to look for include:- Assuring that the rugs cover a large area of flooring, ideally up to the walls or as close to them as possible.
- That the carpets are thick with a comfortable top. You’d want the carpet to be cozy enough that you could walk on it barefoot if you needed to.
- If you’re prone to spills or have children or pets, opt for a darker hue so you don’t need to constantly worry about replacing or cleaning them.
- Give Your Blankets a Boost.
Walk into a home décor store and what will you may find among the aisles is stunning blankets, in all the colors of the rainbow and with brilliant designs. These are terrific for top covers when you make up a bed, but remember: They might not be the stuff “real blankets” are made of! If you want to feel and stay warm in winter without relying on loads of heat, then invest in a heavy blanket that insulates you. While the right blanket will differ for each person and you’ll need to experiment a bit, a wool kind, a heavy down comforter, or even one comprised of heavy corduroy fabric. When shopping, try to feel the heaviness and warmth of the blanket against your hand. Ask if there’s a return policy in case it’s not as warm as you thought.
When it comes to reducing winter energy costs, we suggest taking care of your health by prepping both body and home for a relaxed and productive season. That’s a surefire plan to cherish the simple gifts we have been given while saving energy in the cold.
