Comments for Freezin' your butt off? 7 ways to keep warm at home

Freezin' your butt off? 7 ways to keep warm at home

2009-10-19T11:09:06Z

Think warm thoughts ...

Ugh, I hate that our heat is on in October. We tried to avoid it as long as we could, but when the thermostat hit 59 last Sunday, we flipped the switch.

Unfortunately, like many of the apartments in Chicago, mine is kinda old with drafty windows and a very inefficient ventilation system. And no working ventilation in my room to speak of ... A 40-degree room in the dead of February is not ideal.

But considering the cost--and environmental impact--of forced heat, we've got to be more creative in how we keep warm. And parkas 24-7 are not an option.

Here are some eco-friendly and toasty ways to keep your digs warm this winter.

1. Plastic is your friend--at least when it comes to sealing off your windows. Unfortunately, replacing the windows and doors is not a feasible option for most of us. So this is the next best option. Window insulation comes in kits and is easy to put up. It does an amazing job at keeping that draft at bay, and it doesn't look too awful since it's translucent.

2. Change out your furnace's filter. If it's dirty, it's making the furnace run inefficiently and costing you more money.

3. Reverse your fans to run clockwise. I know it sounds counter-intuitive to have fans running during the winter, but reversing the direction helps move warm air down from the ceiling.

4. Drink and eat warm stuff. When it gets cold out, I've constantly got a mug of tea in front of me. It keeps me toasty and hydrated. Soups are good for warding off chills too. But don't stand in front of your open oven to stay warm, please.

5. Program your thermostat so it is lower while you're at work and at night. It doesn't do any good to heat your place when you're not there! We typically keep ours at 67 or 68 when we're home. At night it's at 62.

6. Get an electric blanket or small space heater. These use a lot less energy--and cost a lot less--than running your furnace higher. This especially works well when you've got a room like mine that varies in temperature than the rest of the place. Just make sure to turn off and unplug them when you wake up.

7. Get cozy. I would love to wear shorts and tanks all winter long in my living room. But this isn't Florida, is it? Put on a sweatshirt and turn the thermostat down a few degrees. Aim for somewhere between 63 and 68 when you're around--depending on how cold you get.

I know there are lots of other great ideas on being eco-friendly and warm--so let me hear 'em!

Comment from kades35 on 2009-10-19

2009-10-20T03:11:13Z

These are great ideas! My roommate's boyfriend is always over and complaining about how cold it is in our apartment. I'll direct him to your column! :)
The other thing I do is roll up a rug or towel and use it as a draft stopper against the bottom of the outside doors. It really works, especially in my drafty apartment!

Comment from Supriya Doshi on 2009-10-19

2009-10-20T03:44:47Z

Tell your roommate's boyfriend to put on a sweater! :)

Stopping drafts with a rug or towel is a great idea! I believe they also make more permanent additions that also do the same thing. Thanks for sharing!

Comment from Jen on 2009-10-21

2009-10-21T23:04:33Z

If possible, switching to heavier curtains during Winter helps too, and it's nice to change up the house to a more cozier feel. I keep on my slipper socks in the house all the time, and yes this is silly but if I'm not feeling well and freezing I'll put scarf on while I'm in the house, instead of cranking up the heat. This is cuddling weather, I wish everyone could appreciate the cold like I do :)

Comment from Supriya Doshi on 2009-10-21

2009-10-21T23:19:18Z

Curtains are a fantastic idea--they'd help keep out the draft too. And it's not like the sun is out much during the winter anyways ...

As for slipper socks, I'm right there with you. Slippers are a must-have when it gets cold out. Though I've on a few occasions tried to leave the house in them...

Comment from susanbirk on 2009-11-09

2009-11-09T19:20:13Z

We do this, too, but we still need a less drafty, more energy efficient back door.

Comment from Supriya Doshi on 2009-11-09

2009-11-10T04:26:10Z

Oh, how I'd love to get more energy efficient doors and windows. I doubt my landlord would agree to it though :)

Thanks for your comment!