The automatic response to cold weather is turning up the thermostat. Nonetheless, super-heating shouldn’t be your only choice to stay warm during the winter. Try these simple steps to keep you and your Houston home warm and cozy throughout the coldest season of the year.
Dress in Layers
Using layers of clothing correctly is the key to fighting off the cold. When most of your week is spent moving between indoors to outdoors, you’ll want to do exactly this. To keep yourself warm but not overheated while indoors, start with a light layer of wicking fabric first. Then, add layers until you are warm and comfortable. Go for shirts, sweaters, jackets, and coats if you want a comfy top. For your bottom half, something like flannel-lined pants will keep you warm, as well! And don’t forget a hat, scarf, and socks! These can keep your head, neck, and feet warm, leading to the rest of your body feeling warmer and more comfortable.
Winterize Your Home
If there are chilly blasts of air inside your house every now and then, it would be a good idea to check and seal the more common areas where drafts and air leaks occur. Countless air leaks come from gaps around doors and windows. Try adding some caulking around the frame or replace the weather-stripping around the door frame. These two are extremely helpful. If a draft creeps in beneath your doors, try blocking the entrance with rolled towel or blanket. Thermal curtains, soft rugs, and other fabrics can also help alleviate cold spots and keep your home warmer.
Furnace Maintenance
If it’s been a while since your furnace had a check-up, it would be wise to consult a professional and schedule maintenance ASAP. Your furnace, much like the rest of your property, needs regular maintenance. As time goes, your heating system will show signs of age — it won’t be as consistent in keeping a temperature as it used to. Bring your energy costs down by giving your furnace system regular maintenance. The regular change in filters will lead to a longer-lasting and better-performing furnace.
Use a Humidifier
If your area’s winter months are usually cold and dry, installing a humidifier in your home can help you stay warm while inside. Dry air typically feels much colder than air with humidity. Cold, dry air also tends to leave your skin and hair feeling rough and dehydrated. Bring back some moisture to your air with a humidifier. A whole-house humidifier is nice, but it’s not a must. Simply getting a low-cost humidifier for frequently used rooms or even boiling a pot of water on the stove can help make the air in your home feel warmer and more comfortable.
Stay Active
Move around to bring some warmth to your body. The first thing we think of during the cold is to stay in and underneath multiple layers of blankets. But, that isn’t going to help keep your body warm. If you want to stay warm, keep your body active. In so doing, you’re increasing your body’s temperature. When you maintain an exercise routine, you’re not only keeping yourself warm — you’re helping your body build muscle and improving your blood flow. But even activities like cleaning, playing an interactive game, or other types of movement can do the trick. Incorporating an active lifestyle into your daily routine will surely keep you warm throughout the cold of winter.
Are you looking for a new rental home to stay warm this winter? Real Property Management Affiliates can help! Check out our rental home listings and find the cozy new home you’ve been longing for this year.
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