Dress in Layers
The key to fighting off the cold is by using layers of clothing correctly. When your daily life consists of moving indoors to outdoors and back, this will help a lot. 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. Shirts, sweaters, jackets, and coats are all good options for the top, while flannel-lined pants can be used for when you go out. And don’t forget a hat, scarf, and socks! Once your head, neck, and feet are warm, the rest of your body will also feel warmer and more comfortable.
Winterize Your Home
If you notice chilly blasts of air in your home, this should lead you to check and seal common areas where drafts and air leaks happen. Most 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 can serve you very well. If a draft enters beneath your doors, try putting a rolled towel or blanket there to block it. 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. Just like every other part of your house, your furnace needs regular maintenance to keep it in good shape. 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. But with regular furnace maintenance, you can keep your system in good shape while keeping your energy costs low. One way to do this is to regularly change filters.
Use a Humidifier
If your area’s winter months are normally cold and dry, including 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. You can opt to get smaller units rather than a whole-house humidifier. Simply getting a cheaper 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
The best way to get warmed up is to move around. It’s normal for us to not want to leave our beds during the cold season and to stay cozy under our soft blankets. But, the reality is, this isn’t the wisest thing to do if you want to keep your body warm. Keeping your body active will lead it to become warmer because of the increased body temperature. By exercising, you’re keeping yourself warm and healthy. Exercising will help your body build muscle and improve its 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 Hometown can help! Check out our rental home listings and find the cozy new home you’ve been longing for this year.