There is a chill in the air and you can feel the cold creeping in through the cracks in your doors and windows. With the electricity hikes, you don’t want to plug in the heaters just yet. That doesn’t mean you can’t keep warm.

Here are a few ideas for keeping warm this winter, without your electricity bill sky-rocketing.

1. Close unused rooms

One of the easiest ways to keep in the warmth is to close the doors to unused rooms. You can even get a draft guard to place at the bottom of the door, or use rolled up towels.

2. Rugs and curtains

Throw down some rugs on the bare floors. This does a good job of keeping your feet warm, and if your feet are warm then you are. Open the curtains during the day to let the warm winter sun in, and close them at night to keep in the heat. You can also think about investing in thick winter curtains or roller blinds.

3. Get something cooking / baking

Something like a casserole cooks at lower temperatures for a longer period of time, and will warm up the room and possibly adjoining rooms. Alternatively, a nice hot pot of soup will do the same and is also a great winter meal to keep your body warm. The physical activity will also warm you up.

4. Solar heating

This option may be a lot more expensive up front, but will save you a lot of money in the long run. Also an eco-friendly solution that will warm your home for years, and at no cost.

 

5. Cuddle up

Pull out the hot water bottle, gather the blankets, add a little hot chocolate and snuggle up with friends (or your significant other).