Few things can be as disruptive as a broken heating system, especially during the winter months when the temperature can drop below the freezing point in some areas. And, to make matters worse, a professional technician may not always be available to check out your equipment right away. But there are many creative steps you can take to stay warm and keep the cold out of your home. As a bonus, you can save on your heating bill. Keep on reading to find out more.
Close All Doors and Windows
If your heating system is broken, you want to do everything you can to keep the cold air out. A good first step is to make sure all the windows are closed. Closing the blinds can also help trap any internal heat, especially if you receive enough sunlight to provide warmth.
In addition, you also want to close all the doors around your home to restrict airflow and prevent any cold air from spreading throughout your home. If there’s a particular room that’s warmer than the rest – say, a room that significantly faces the sun – we recommend spending most of your time there with the windows and doors closed.
Wear Layers
Another thing you can do is put on layers of clothing – bonus points if you have flannels or, even better, thermal clothes. Other warm materials such as wool and fleece can also keep you warm, especially if they’re in the form of a sweater or jacket.
Socks can also go a long way to keep you cozy. In fact, warming up your feet can quickly warm up the rest of your body. We also recommend slippers, especially if they’re lined with warm material.
Drink and Eat Warm Foods
It goes without saying that a nice cup of hot chocolate can make you feel better in the wintertime – especially if your heating system breaks down. Hot soups and other similar foods can also help keep your body warm.
You might not know, however, that alcohol and stimulants such as coffee can make your body rapidly lose heat, which is why you want to avoid them if you’re cold. On the other hand, eating carbohydrates will warm you up, as your body will be working hard to break them down. Ginger tea can also warm your body from the inside out.
Get Busy in Your Kitchen
A broken heating system doesn’t have to ruin your winter – to the contrary, it can be just the recipe you need. One thing you can do is use your kitchen as an alternative source of heat. Why not bake some sweets and warm up your home in the process? Any use of your kitchen oven will help, but using your stove can also raise the temperature. Of course, you should operate these appliances with care and remove any fire hazards. Also, be careful with gas leaks.
Use a Portable Heater
While not as good as a full-on heating system, a portable heater can provide significant warmth for your comfort. There are multiple options in the market with a wide range in price and horsepower. We recommend purchasing a few of them for different rooms in your home. One additional benefit of using portable heaters is that they tend to use less energy than heating systems, which can save you money on your monthly utilities. In addition, you can take them with you and use them where and when you see fit.
Insulate Your Windows
Poor insulation allows cold air to sneak in. If you live in an area that usually has warm temperatures, it’s very likely your home is poorly insulated. Thankfully, there are some easy, low-cost steps you can take that don’t involve serious renovations to your home.
Covering your windows with bubble wrap can serve as an effective insulator. Next time you get a package in the mail, save the bubble wrap and repurpose it. You can also hang blankets over windows and glass doors to retain heat and keep the cold out.
Consider a Sleeping Bag
You’ll likely miss your heating system at night the most. And while blankets can go a long way to keep you warm, a sleeping bag can be even more efficient in trapping your body heat and providing you the warmth and comfort you need.
While the idea of sleeping in a sleeping bag in your own home sounds uncomfortable, you might be surprised by the options at your disposal. There are now plenty of sleeping bags good enough to rival decent mattresses. Additionally, this is a fun way to distract kids and create fun, memorable experiences for everyone at home. If you have any extra sleeping bags, consider donating them to a local charity.