As we approach the end of the year and eagerly look forward to the beginning of the next, a major part of the country is also in anticipation for the much-dreaded cold wave that hits during early January. While the winter season has its own charm, the shivery weather is surely not something most people look forward to experiencing. To keep the cold away and the indoors comfortable, a lot of us resort to electric heaters. But what if we tell you there are ways you can make your space warm and comfy in winters without electric heating? That’s right! In this article, we will discover some tips on keeping your house warm solely with the help of non-electrical methods.
See also: When should you install a humidifier at home?
Maximise insulation
Air leaks on doors, windows and corners of your home are a major cause of uncomfortably cold indoor temperatures during winters. Make sure to use weatherstripping like adhesive foam or rubber around doors and windows and apply caulk on wall gaps and cracks. For smaller gaps, you can use foam tape and insulating door sweeps.
Also consider investing in thick, thermal-insulated curtains for your windows, especially designed to reduce heat loss through glass. A thrifty alternative to this is hanging blankets or quilts over windows or using bubble wraps as temporary insulators. Bare floors also tend to feel chilly. Trap warmth and reduce heat loss through the floor with the help of woollen area rugs.
Utilise natural heat
If you have south-facing windows in your house, make sure to pull back the curtains during daylight hours to let in as much sunlight as possible. Remove any accumulated dirt on these windows that might block the heat. As soon as the sun sets, don’t forget to promptly shut the curtains to retain the warmth. Additionally, placing dark-coloured blankets or rugs in sunny spots facilitates better heat absorption and then radiates it slowly into the room.
Retain warm air
Long, padded tubes known as door draft stoppers are placed at the base of doors to block cold air. While they are easily available in the market, you can also go for the DIY alternative of using old fabric stuffed with rice or sand. Keep the doors shut of spaces that are not used very often, like guest bedrooms or storage spaces, to concentrate the warmth in the living spaces. Similarly, if you have unused vents, it is recommended to block them off as well to prevent heat from escaping.
Add layers
Wear multiple layers of clothing to retain as much body heat as possible. Think natural fabrics like wool or fleece, starting with thermal underlayers followed by sweaters and jackets. Don’t forget warm socks and a hat as heat tends to escape quickly from the head. You can also drape fleece or wool blankets over chairs and sofas and heat your blankets before going to bed for an overall comfortable experience.
Enhance heat sources
Generate heat from other sources, like by grouping multiple candles on a tray. However, it is crucial to ensure good ventilation and to never leave them unattended. If you have a wood stove or fireplace, ensure proper cleanliness and functionality. Burning dry, seasoned wood can help produce more heat with lesser smoke emission. An easy way to pre-warm your bed and keep your feet warm while sitting is by using sturdy rubber water bottles filled with hot water. Make sure to wrap them in a cloth to prevent burns.
DIY heat hacks
Use bubble wraps to insulate your windows by cutting them to size and pressing the sheet on lightly misted window glass. The trapped air in the bubble wrap acts as insulation. If you have radiators or heat sources near walls, you can attach aluminium foil or reflective insulation sheets behind them to redirect the what into the room instead of losing it to the wall.
Increase humidity
Dry air can be a major problem during winters. Slightly increasing the humidity not just helps tackle this, but also makes the air feel warmer. You can do this by placing bowls of water near heat sources or boiling water on the stove or using a steamer while cooking. However, take care to avoid excessive humidity as it might lead to condensation and mould growth.
Prepare for nighttime
Layering your bedding can create pockets of air that traps heat. Use flannel sheets instead of cotton and add layers like wool blankets, fleece throws and thick duvets. Keep the curtains tightly closed and overlap them in the middle to prevent any gaps. For added efficiency, you can add a pelmet above the curtain rod to block cold drafts from the top of the window.
Use heat-generating activities
Using your oven and stove more often can significantly help in regulating indoor temperatures. If and when it is safe, consider leaving the oven door open after cooking to let the residual heat warm the kitchen. Additionally, engaging in light exercise like stretching, cleaning or dancing can generate body heat through movement and make the chilly environment more tolerable.
Optimise furniture placement
Move furniture like sofas, chairs and beds away from exterior walls and windows where the air tends to be cooler. Instead, place them in warmer areas nearer to interior walls to retain heat for longer. Create a barrier between cold walls and your living space by placing bookshelves, tapestries or other insulating objects against exterior walls. Similarly, hanging thick fabric or blankets over particularly cold walls can prevent heat loss.
FAQs
How can I insulate my home on a budget?
Use weatherstripping for doors and windows, bubble wrap on windows and DIY draft stoppers. Hang thick blankets or curtains over windows and use rugs on the floor for extra insulation.
What are some natural ways to generate heat in my home?
Utilise sunlight by opening curtains during the day and closing them after sunset, cook or bake more often and safely use candles or a wood-burning stove.
Can I safely use candles or a fireplace for warmth?
Use a heat-resistant holder for the candles and never leave them unattended. For fireplaces, always keep the chimney in good condition.
Does humidity make my home feel warmer?
Since moisture helps retain heat, adding humidity by placing bowls of water near heat sources can improve comfort levels.
What are the most effective areas to target for heat retention?
Seal gaps around doors and windows using weatherstripping or caulk, use heavy curtains or thermal blinds for windows and place thick rugs on floors.
Is it worth investing in thermal curtains or insulated blinds?
Thermal curtains and insulated blinds are highly effective at retaining heat by reducing heat loss through windows, making them a profitable one-time investment.
How can I keep my bedroom warm at night without heating?
Layer bedding with flannel sheets, wool blankets and thick duvets and pre-warm the bed using a heating pad or hot water bottle.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |