Tips for Staying Warm

As a Marion, Iowa Insurance Company, we’re feeling antsy for spring just like you! We have almost made it through the winter, but if you’re feeling the burden of a high heating bill, here are some simple tips to reduce costs and still stay warm!

1. Embrace layers. If your kids are running around in t-shirts and complaining about the cold, make sure they have double layers on before turning up the thermostat a couple degrees! Or perhaps buy some cozy blankets, which might be cheaper than a higher heating bill.

2. Buy a pair of slippers. There are so many fun options for slippers or cozy socks too. Heat can escape through our feet, so try warming up those toes.

3. Drink a warm beverage. Nothing warms you up like warming up your insides! Make another pot of hot coffee, cocoa, or tea. Or perhaps get creative with an espresso machine.

4. Exercise. As the cold and darkness settles in, exercise s a great way to help you cope with it. However, if you’re simply feeling cold you don’t need to follow a strenuous workout routine. A few jumping jacks, burpees, or some trips up and down your stairs can get your blood pumping and warm you up.

5. Run a humidifier. As the humidity in your home begins to decrease, consider running a humidifier. Moisture in the air helps keep your home warm. In addition, a humidifier can help prevent chapped lips, dry skin, scratchy throats, and nose irritation. 

6. Use extra blankets. When watching TV or going to bed grab an extra blanket. If you have kids, you may have acquired many blankets over the years. So there’s probably enough to go around.

7. Enjoy the sunshine. Instead of closing your blinds to keep your home cool, open them up to let the sun in.

8. Ditch the ice cream. I’m a huge fan of ice cream during the summer months. However, now’s the time to do some nice winter baking. Not only will you have some great desserts, but the oven will also add some heat to your home. Don’t leave the oven door open if you have small children or pets.

9. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan. Believe it or not, reversing the direction of your celling fan can make a difference. You know the old saying, “Hot air rises.” By reversing the fan, it’ll push the warm air downward into your room.
10. Eliminate the drafts. If your windows or doors are drafty, there are several things you can do to fix this.