After all, living in a cold house is not good for your health, even if you are a needy student, are penniless, or just looking to save money. Fortunately, there are ways to stay warm even if you don't have a heater, and in the process, you can even increase the efficiency of your home.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Warming Your Home Without Heating
Step 1. Close all your windows tightly
This includes making sure that the windows for the storm are properly installed and closed, if you have one. All windows must be properly bolted or locked. Open in the morning and afternoon if the air temperature outside is higher than the temperature inside.
Make your windows airtight. You can buy putty or plastic to make your windows more closed. At the very least, stuff a towel or T-shirt in the areas that leak
Step 2. Use inexpensive shower curtains on windows that receive sunlight
This will block the entry of cold air, but the warmth of the sun can still enter without the entry of cold air. You can also line your windows with transparent plastic sheets to make them airtight.
Step 3. Install the curtains
Thick curtains can block the strong flow of cold air. Open the curtains when the sun is shining, then close them again when there is no sunlight.
Step 4. Close your door tightly
Check the area around the door frame and also under the door. You can buy a weather strip (a piece of rubber, etc. used to seal gaps in the sides of the door to protect it from cold air) or a door sweep (a rubber and aluminum cover used for the bottom of the door). Again, at least you can use a towel to cover the bottom of the door.
Step 5. Let as much sunlight as possible into your home
Check for objects that block sunlight from reaching your home, such as trees or other buildings. Get rid of objects that are propped up against walls that are exposed to the sun. (Ideally, put them back at night for added insulation).
Step 6. Close all unused spaces
The closed door can be one of the barriers between you and the cold outdoors. It also stops excessive air circulation, which in turn prevents heat loss.
- Home supply stores usually sell magnetic heating duct covers to block the passage of hot air from the heater into unused spaces. That way, when the heating is on, only the ducts in the rooms you're using will get the heat. This will make more efficient use of your space heater.
- Make sure that all heating lines are open, especially in places where water pipes might freeze. Make sure that the ducts for re-breathing cold air are not clogged in heated rooms (they may be blocked by furniture or carpet) so that the heat can circulate properly.
Step 7. Place a mat or rug
Mats and rugs can help prevent heat loss through the floor. You will feel warmer if you walk on a mat or carpet than if you walk on wood or stone.
Step 8. Add insulation in the attic and in the free space under the roof or floor
A lot of heat comes out of the attic, because the heat moves up, while the cold moves down. Make sure that your attic has enough insulation.
Step 9. Turn on the fireplace
If you have a fireplace at home, you can keep yourself warm by turning it on. If you don't have a fireplace in your home, consider installing one. Always pay attention to the fire when it is burning.
Step 10. Cook
Cooking can help keep you warm, through the warmth of the oven and by eating something hot afterward.
- Bake pies or cakes. Your oven can help dry the air and warm your kitchen. Apart from having a warm kitchen, you can also enjoy good food!
- After that, leave the oven on, and open the oven door to let some heat around your house. Just turn on the oven for 10 to 20 minutes, so you don't waste electricity.
- Limit foods that produce steam, as this can add humidity to the air in your home. Keeping the humidity low in winter can help keep you warm. Air vapor (humidity) can absorb more heat (heat capacity) than dry air. As a result, humid winter air will feel cooler than dry air, and you will need more heat to make this humid air feel comfortable to you.
Step 11. Light the candle
Candles can generate a lot of heat. Just be careful where you put it, don't leave it unattended. You can buy lots of candles for cheap at supermarkets or discount stores!
Use the candle as a heater. It may not generate as much heat as a real fireplace or space heater, but it can generate heat at a very low cost
Step 12. Turn on some incandescent bulbs
Incandescent bulbs typically emit 95% of their energy in the form of heat energy instead of light, making them a very efficient heat source.
Fluorescent or LED lights are not very useful for heating a room, so save it for the warmer seasons, and use your money to pay for heating costs
Part 2 of 3: Keeping Warm in a Cold House
Step 1. Drink a warm drink
Warm drinks will raise your body temperature. The process can feel very relaxing and enjoyable. Make a cup of tea or coffee, or drink hot broth.
Step 2. Wear warm clothes
Many people say that you release most of your body heat through your head, but in fact you also release as much heat through your body. However, wearing a hat is a good idea at a time like this. A high-necked sweater can also be very helpful. Wear several layers of clothing, especially clothes made of wool or cotton. Wear warm sandals or socks. When you are just sitting still, wrap yourself in a thick wool blanket. You can also buy a thermal t-shirt, as wearing it under your sweater can warm you up a lot.
If your feet are still cold, you can buy a 2 pack of tights. Make sure that this is not a transparent model. Wear one or more tights under your clothes; this will give your body another layer of clothing to trap heat. Men can wear long dresses instead of stockings
Step 3. Use smaller rooms
For example, if you have a room that is much smaller than your living room, you can use your room as a bedroom as well as a family room.
Step 4. Exercise
20 minutes of intense exercise can warm you up and keep you warm long after. In addition, a healthy body is usually more tolerant of cold air.
Move a lot. Body movement can generate more heat! The more you move, the better your blood circulation will be. This means that the warm blood will reach your fingertips, keeping them warm
Step 5. Hug your friend or pet
Any warm-blooded body is a good warmer. Hug your dog or cat to warm each other up.
Step 6. Use a hairdryer
With a hairdryer, you can quickly warm up certain parts of your body, or your clothes and shoes before you put them on. You can even use a hairdryer to warm your bed before you go to bed. But remember, don't cover your hairdryer, as this can overheat and burn.
Step 7. Sit on a 50 watt heating pad
Instead of heating the entire house or room, you can simply sit on a low-wattage heating pad. You can also make your own heating pads:
- Use a hot water bottle. It's great for warming your hands and lap when you're sitting. Also put it under your blanket or at the foot of your bed.
- Place a sock or artificial pillow filled with rice, dry corn, or beans in the microwave for one minute, then use it as a heating pad or bed warmer.
Step 8. Buy a thick bathrobe or kimono
Think of it as a big, warm blanket with sleeves. Clothes like this are super comfortable, and you can even wear them to sleep!
Step 9. Go on vacation or visit other places
Visiting warm and free locations won't hurt you, for example visiting the library, church, your friend's house, etc.
Step 10. Try using an electric blanket
An electric blanket can keep you very warm and cozy at night, and it's much cheaper than an old, expensive, and inefficient heater. There is also a version that can be used specifically when you are sitting, usually upholstered in a soft and warm material.
Step 11. Buy a zero degree sleeping bag
You don't have to be camping to use a sleeping bag. A zero-degree sleeping bag can help keep you warm while sleeping at home. Open the sleeping bag on top of the bed to warm the body overnight.
Part 3 of 3: Precautions
Step 1. Consider what caused you to be in this cold state
If your home is getting cold from a blackout, the steps above can help you get through this temporary emergency. But if you live in an unheated house because you don't have enough money to buy or repair a heater, you should start saving for this. Take care of yourself first so you can deal with other critical situations. Don't let yourself get cold.
Step 2. If you are unable to heat your home, contact several service providers
They may be willing to offer a payment plan that is less burdensome for you.
Tips
- Try pulling the blanket over your head for a few minutes. Your breath will quickly warm you up!
- Drink hot chocolate. Hot chocolate is packed with carbs that will give you energy, and it tastes great too!
- Take a hot shower, then apply oil or lotion to your skin after you get out of the shower. It's like adding another layer of clothing.
- If you have young children, ask a friend or relative if you can stay at their house until your heating is repaired. Being in the cold can be dangerous for your children.
- Place a fan on a minimal setting near your heater, so that the heat is carried to other parts of the room, and your heater can start to warm the new air.
- Invite some guests. You will feel warm because of their bodies that help warm the room.
- Lie on a warm bed, then wrap yourself in a blanket. Make sure there are no holes in the sheets or blankets.
- Take a warm bath, drink hot tea, then lie close to other people while watching a movie.
- Lie on the bed while rubbing your feet quickly.
- Don't exercise too much. If you exercise too much, you will sweat a lot, and this sweat will cool your body rather than heat it up.
Warning
- Keep in mind that if you block too much air circulation outside, there is a chance that carbon monoxide will build up in the air in your home. Install a carbon monoxide detector, if you don't have one. If so, test your home air regularly.
- Heating methods that add steam to the air (eg bathtubs, humidifiers), can cause mold growth and condensation damage. Periodically check the back of furniture that stands near walls facing the outside of the house, and around windows.
