During a Connecticut winter, staying warm without breaking the bank can be a challenge. And while dressing in layers is helpful, you don’t necessarily want to wear your winter coat, gloves, and hat while watching a movie or sitting at the dinner table. So instead, try these simple means to stay nice and toasty no matter how teeth-chattering-cold it might be.
Choose your parking spot wisely. Whether at work or play, try to park your car with the front windshield facing the sun to take advantage of its warm rays. That includes parking in your own driveway, which will make it easier to de-ice your windshield in the morning. It also will keep the inside of your car a little warmer in the afternoon.
Run your ceiling fan clockwise. Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to change the direction of the blades’ rotation. During warmer months, they should move counter-clockwise to create that cool, refreshing breeze. However, during winter, switching rotating the blades clockwise allows them to pull the cooler air up while moving warmer air out to the walls and down to where you need it most.
Stay hydrated. Your doctor no doubt advises you to drink plenty of water for better health. Well, it turns out that doing so also can help you feel warmer since a hydrated body is better able to combat the cold. Keep a bottle handy at the office and in the car to sip throughout the day and limit caffeinated beverages which tend to dehydrate you.
Close the fireplace flue once the fire goes out. Leaving the open after a wood fire is completely extinguished allows warm air to climb up the chimney and outdoors. You’ll not only feel colder, but will pay more to heat your home.
Keep your car winter-ready. Getting stranded in your car is never fun, but during cold weather it can be down-right dangerous. So, for your added safety, keep a cold-weather kit in your car, one packed with a change of clothes, hat, gloves, and blankets. Other kit items should include bottled water, some non-perishable snacks, a couple of flashlights, and heat packs.
Pass on the alcohol. While a drink might seem like a great way to relax after a long day, alcohol lowers your core body temperature which makes you feel even colder. Instead, sip on a cup of flavored herbal tea, hot chocolate, or decaf coffee as you unwind for the night.
At the same time, there’s no denying your heating system plays in keeping your family warm all season long. That’s why it’s so important to have preventive maintenance performed once a year. Contact Nero today to schedule service, and take the fear our of losing your heat.
