Considering rising energy costs, what are your tips to save money and keep warm this winter?
After polling the internet, these are the top-voted money and energy-saving tips.
1. Sherpa Hoodies
Someone shared, “Buy a freaking cozy blanket hoodie, Sherpa hoodie. They’re AMAZING. You throw it over your regular clothes and can comfortably sit/sleep/hang out in 40-70F temperatures.”
2. Heat Pumps
“Heat pumps are an excellent investment, and many energy providers are heavily subsidizing. They also use as little as 1/10th the energy of other electric heaters,” replied one.
3. Area Rugs for Hard Floors
“If you have cold floors, especially tile, they will suck heat out of the room. Putting area rugs over hard flooring will help keep the heat better. You can get carpet tiles online for pretty cheap if you can’t afford area rugs,” another confirmed.
4. Candle Clay Pot Heater
“If your energy prices go crazy and you can’t afford to heat your room at night with a CANDLE CLAY POT HEATER: Buy eight hours-tea candles, place them under a slightly elevated clay flower pot, and enjoy the warmth.”
“It doesn’t work much in large rooms, but I used it when I was wild camping in winter, and the temperature went from -1°C in the tent to very comfy with only two candles,” one person stated.
5. Seal off Windows
“Seal off all windows whether you see a draft or not. Better safe than sorry,” shared one. “Also, roll up towels and shove them under doors. You’ll be surprised how much draft comes in just from that little crack alone.”
Another agreed, “It’s essential to seal windows properly, and when it’s time to purchase new ones, get energy-efficient panes.”
6. Space Heater
Someone stated, “Get a good space heater and keep only the room you are in at a comfortable level. Keep the rest of the house 66F (18-19C).” Another joked, “Chop firewood, feel the burn twice.”
7. Hot Water Bottle
“Get a hot water bottle,” shared one. “Put it in the middle of the bed where your bum/small of your back goes. Then, do your nighttime routine, go to bed, move it down to where your feet will be, and enjoy the prewarmed spot.”
“Never overfill a hot water bottle! Leave about a quarter empty and pinch the air before screwing on the cap. Otherwise, you are at risk of causing it to burst. Always empty it when you get up in the morning and leave the cap out until you next use it to increase its lifespan.”
“Ensure your hot water bottle is newish and check it for cracks and weak spots. And NEVER fill it with boiling water. Hot tap water only. My mother got nasty burns on her feet when hers burst.”
8. Using Leftover Heat After Cooking
One person shared, “Using the leftover heat from the oven after cooking and Hot Hands when we can afford them.” Others explained that you open the door after baking and let the heat escape. Still, others argued you don’t need to open the door.
Finally, someone warned, “Be careful about this if you have a gas stove, and don’t run it with the door open. Gas stoves produce carbon monoxide. Electric is safer but can still overheat.”
9. Electric Blanket
“Electric blanket,” replied one. “The blankets cost almost nothing to run but keep you warm and toasty even if it’s freaking freezing inside.” A second said, “Yep! Except mine’s a heated mattress pad. I preheat the bed, too.”
Finally, a third added, “You can check the individual ones for the watts they use and then even calculate based on your electricity price.”
10. Dress for the Season
“Dressing for the season instead of making the house feel like a summer day. Dress in layers, heavier clothing styles, and so on,” suggested one. Another joked, “Can you explain this to my wife? I sweat in winter and wear sweaters in summer.”
We hope you enjoyed this Reddit picks list of energy and money-saving tips for the winter.