Keep Cozy Tips

When the temperatures drop, it's tempting to just crank up the thermostat, but running your home's heater on high can really increase your utility bill. Try these tips to stay cozy while keeping energy costs in your comfort zone.

Plan Ahead. Invest in a programmable thermostat and set it to turn the heat down during times you're not at home. You can do this manually, but let's be honest, who needs one more item on their morning to-do list?

Stop Seepage. Most of your home's heat is lost through the roof and the walls. Check to see if you have enough insulation, and if not, add some.

Be Backwards. Reverse your ceiling fans. It may seem strange to run a fan in winter, but if you change the direction of the blades' spin, they'll force all that hot air hovering around your ceiling back down to you.

Save the Sun. Open your curtains and shutters on sunny days to let the warm rays in, and at night, shut everything back tight to hold the heat inside.

Prioritize. Close doors and vents in rooms no one is using to avoid heating unnecessary space.

Find & Fix. Light a candle and hold it close to the bottom of exterior doors and around windows to find cracks and spaces where cold air can creep in and heat can escape. If the flame flickers, you've got air movement, and you'll need to add weather stripping or caulk to seal the leak. For large openings under doors, roll up a towel and push it against the space.

Bundle Up. One of the easiest ways to get and stay warm is to dress for the season, even inside. You've got winter clothes, so why hang around the house in shorts and a t-shirt? Adding a light layer or two will trap your body heat and keep you toasty.

Drink Up. Enjoy a steaming cup of coffee, tea, cider or cocoa. The cup will heat cold hands, and the liquid will warm you from the inside out. Get ready for a good night's sleep with a soothing herbal tea that contains chamomile.

Pile it On. There's no need to heat your bedroom to sub-tropical temps. Add a few extra blankets and throw on a pair of socks. Once you're tucked under the covers, you're body heat will stay with you and should keep you comfy through the night.

Run it Right. Ensure your heating unit is running at peak efficiency by regularly replacing its air filters and cleaning the dust off of return vents. It's also a good idea to get it checked out each year (before it actually gets cold!) by a heating and cooling professional.