As temperatures begin to drop, consumers may soon have a lot more on their minds than the coming winter chill. Since 2010, many states have seen the cost of home heating oil rise by as much as 30% or more.
Depending on where you live, a particularly glacial season could put a serious freeze on your budget.
So, instead of just cranking up the thermostat, check out these six alternative tools for keeping costs down and the heat up.
Splurging on all of these high-tech solutions could cost you a pretty penny, but pick out one or two and your wallet may thank you come Spring.
1. Cuddle up with a USB blanket.
If you spend a lot of time at home on the computer, this USB heated blanket is perfect for keeping away the chills. It plugs into any USB port, comes with two cords and can be worn over the shoulders or across your lap. Just pour yourself a cup of tea and settle in.
2. Keep your toes toasty with battery-powered heating socks.
These super-cozy, heated, socks have a thin battery-powered heating element encased in the toe that won’t overheat, and are made out of “moisture-wicking” material to keep you toasty, not sweaty.
3. Get efficient with a programmable thermostat.
This one’s a no-brainer so if you don’t have one, get one. A programmable thermostat will automatically lower the temperature of your home at night or while you’re out and about, making the heat run less when you’re not actively using it.
4. Stay mobile with touch-screen gloves.
iPhone users have long known the frustration of trying to text, swipe or tap while out in the elements. Hopefully you won’t need gloves in the house too often, but when Jack Frost really comes a knockin’, these touch-screen gloves, will keep you connected.
5. Dodge the draft with outlet insulation.
Drafts pass in and out of the home through the outlet and outlet covers, especially the ones along exterior walls. Fortunately there are special outlet and switch gaskets specially made to reduce drafts. Ask your local hardware store or just DIY.
6. Go old school with the hot water bottle.
OK, this is hardly high-tech, but this ingenious invention is still one of the best and easiest ways to stay warm in bed, as well as soothe aches and pains. Hot Water Bottles are cheap, reusable and will last forever. Tell that to your soon-to-be obsolete iPhone.
Our, almost 100 year old, house stays cold. I tell my kids that the simplest way to stay warm is to put on more clothes. Shoes and socks, sweater, long pants are all genius items (cough, cough) to keep your body heat in. 😉
What are your ideas for keeping warm without cranking up the heat?
Susan
Monday 11th of December 2017
I really, really don't like to be cold. Thanks to the military, we live in a cold area. I am so happy to find these tips and gadgets that will help get me through this cold weather. Thanks for sharing at the This Is How We Roll Link Party.