January 23, 2009
Keeping Warm in the House
We all know that lowering the thermostat in the winter saves money. The problem is staying warm while still being able to function around the house. Here are some ways I have found to keep warm without bulk. I don’t use all of these ideas at once. Since I live in Maryland where winters are not too harsh, one or two of them is often enough.
- Long underwear. It comes in different thicknesses and material. I find Duofolds to be too warm for indoors. I like Cuddl Duds
brand. They have a thin polyester blend that goes a long way towards keeping me warm, and I forget they are there. They can be found at many department stores.
- Tank tops. I don’t like long sleeved underclothing, but tank tops work great for me. I have a Cuddl Duds top that is very warm, but I also like using cotton tanks under things. A little bit of clothing can make a significant difference.
- Neck wear. Keeping the blood flowing through your jugular vein warm helps to warm the rest of your body. A thick turtleneck sweater will do the job, but that’s not usually my preference. Even a thin turtleneck shirt helps, but you can boost the warmth with a neck gator (a fabric tube the fits over your head and sits around your neck) or a scarf. I have a thick fleece scarf that only gets in my way and in the toilet! What I like using instead is a thin knit scarf I found at the dollar store. I can wrap it around several times and it stays where I want it. A neck gator is more annoying to put on and take off, but it doesn't have loose ends.
- Vests. Fleece vests were very popular a few years ago and you can still find them. They help keep your body warm (and your neck if you zip it all the way up), but allow your arms to have lots of freedom. Keeping your torso with all its vital organs warm allows your body to work on keeping the extremities warm.
- Blankets. These I use when I’m sitting for a while. I keep throws handy near the computer and places where I read.
If you want to save money, try turning back the thermostat a couple of degrees and using some alternative ways to stay warm. What are your stay-warm ideas?
For more money saving ideas check out Frugal Fridays.
Labels: frugal tips
# posted by Linda @ 1/23/2009 
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Great ideas.... but I am curious... do your boys wear these things too? I know I could do this myself, but not sure about the kids. Although I guess if it was cold enough they would wear something.
Toni
Toni
# posted by 
: January 23, 2009
: January 23, 2009
Hi! We shared some tips for lowering the electric bill and got some good comments that you might like - http://www.econobusters.com/?p=217.
However, I'd love for you to join us on Fridays and post something in our Gluten-Free Friday post. We just started it today - http://www.econobusters.com/?p=315 - I'll be sure to feature you one Friday as well in the next few weeks! Both of our families have gluten/celiac issues so it's always nice to find a new GF blog!
Kris
www.Econobusters.com
However, I'd love for you to join us on Fridays and post something in our Gluten-Free Friday post. We just started it today - http://www.econobusters.com/?p=315 - I'll be sure to feature you one Friday as well in the next few weeks! Both of our families have gluten/celiac issues so it's always nice to find a new GF blog!
Kris
www.Econobusters.com
# posted by : January 23, 2009
: January 23, 2009
Good question Happy Housewife. Two of my kids rarely get cold in the house and spend most of the winter in tee shirts or at most a long sleeved shirt. When the other gets cold, he wraps up in a blanket or puts on a fleece pullover. The each got an under armour shirt for Christmas and a couple of them will wear that on very cold days.
I love to throw a large afgan over me when I am on the couch. But it does make it difficult when I need to get up and go do something! So I wear a stocking cap and a large flannel shirt to help keep me warm.
I have been getting much good use out of these techniques the past few days as our furnace has broken. We only have a couple small electric heaters working now (able to keep the house in the 50 degree range), so hopefully we will have it fixed before tonight when the forecast is for twenty below zero!
I have been getting much good use out of these techniques the past few days as our furnace has broken. We only have a couple small electric heaters working now (able to keep the house in the 50 degree range), so hopefully we will have it fixed before tonight when the forecast is for twenty below zero!
I layer too. Tank tops under shirts and leggings under my skirts really help keep me warm when our house is chilly. Some people have trouble with their leggings sticking to the skirt. Here is what we do: rub the inside of your skirt with a drier sheet. No more static cling! We live in central Texas, where it is very warm and turn our furnace completely off at night. An extra blanket does the job if it gets below freezing over night.
We only have baseboard heaters. We rarely turn them on. We bundle up too! Also, a nice warm cup of tea always goes a long way.
# posted by : January 24, 2009
: January 24, 2009
I've been trying to reduce the heat and so have also been wearing layers. I would love to find some long underwear, but that is difficult to find in plus sizes. I find wearing a hat inside helps a lot. My son thinks I am nuts, but it works :)
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