23 ways to make your home warmer without spending a lot of energy

Move

Movement is life. And warm. And to stay warm, you need to move! Physical activity increases your heart rate, improves blood circulation and stimulates an increase in body temperature. Do a little exercise: squat, pump your abs, bend from side to side. Finally, clean out your kitchen or bathroom.

This way you will not only warm up quickly, but also get a great figure and a clean apartment. Isn't this wonderful?

Radiator system for heating an apartment

In addition to stationary heating radiators, you can install additional heat sources using electricity. This option, of course, will increase bills, but will help maintain a comfortable temperature in the apartment.

Radiators are sold in all hardware stores and can be filled with any coolant - water, oil or antifreeze. Heat is supplied by heating liquids that transfer it to the air. On radiators, you can set a timer to turn off and on, and you can also regulate the degree of heating of the equipment.

If you have to choose which coolant to purchase, then oil and antifreeze are considered the best indicators of heat preservation. Therefore, when deciding to install additional electric radiators in an apartment, it is better not to save on liquids.

Buy a heater

Heaters differ in their operating principle - their cost also depends on this. They mostly run on electricity, so you'll need a free outlet.

• Fan heaters
  are cheaper than others. They blow out a stream of warm air - the room heats up quickly, but unevenly. Among the disadvantages: fan heaters are noisy, dry the air very much, collect dust and over time begin to emit an unpleasant odor. The cost of fan heaters on Yandex.Market starts from 470 ₽.
• Convectors
  convert cold air into hot air. They operate silently, heat the room fairly evenly, and they also have a thermostat function that helps maintain the desired temperature in the room. Cons: convectors “burn” a lot of electricity and heat up slowly. The cost of convectors with normal power is approximately from 1 thousand rubles.
• Oil radiators
  look like an iron accordion filled with mineral oil, which is heated by electricity. Such heaters are silent, take a long time to heat up and cool down. Their cost is from 1–1.5 thousand rubles.
• Infrared heaters
  warm a room using infrared rays, which is why they glow orange-red. Silent and fast. Price - from approximately 600 ₽.

Deal with batteries

If the heating season has already begun, and the radiators remain cold (or barely work), then contact the management company (MC) that services your home. In Moscow, for example, the telephone number of the management control room can be found on the “House of Moscow” website. Tell the dispatcher your address and problem - they will send a specialist to your home to help solve it.

According to official standards, the air temperature in the apartment should not be lower than 18 degrees Celsius. If the house is colder, then call a representative of the management company - he will issue a statement with which you can recalculate payments for heating or maintenance of the house.

Source: rg.ru.

Electric heating pads

In the second half of September in the evening in your own unheated apartment, another electrical device will help you warm up - a heating pad. Typically, heating pads have a medical function and are used to warm up some part of the body that requires heat therapy. But they can also be used for purposes other than their intended purpose, if the situation forces it.

Most modern electric heating pads, which are available on pharmacy shelves, have a special temperature regulator. By setting it to the minimum value, you can create a completely comfortable atmosphere in your bed, which will allow you not to freeze on a September night.

Do not despair if even the minimum setting in the electric heating pad turns out to be too hot for you. The heating pad can be placed not in its traditional place under the sheet, but on top, on the blanket. In this case, it will give you less heat, which will partially escape into the atmosphere, and you will not experience overheating.

Article on the topic

Carpet and fan. 10 ways to make your apartment warmer

Food and drink

There are spices, seasonings and seasonings that help start the heating process in the body. The most common are hot pepper, ginger, cinnamon, curry, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, horseradish and mustard. With their help you can prepare a variety of warming dishes. For example, fusion with elements of Indian cuisine (for example, chicken curry) or Mexican (such as bean soup with chili). And in between meals, warm up with tea with lemon, honey and ginger or non-alcoholic mulled wine.

Oil battery for heating an apartment or house in winter

An excellent solution for locally pumping heat into a room, but the interior door must be closed. One oil heater is only enough for 15-20 square meters. meters of area. The cost of the equipment is low, but the considerable consumption of 1-2 kW per hour of electricity can significantly reduce the family budget if used constantly.

Hug!

Stay warm with your loved ones and be happy. And then no cold is scary!

- Embrace!
Surely! And this, I want to assure you, is not only a unique remedy for all seasons, but also a panacea for all worries. Ksenia Nagaeva Blogger
If you feel irritated, go hug with your loved ones! Or, for example, you are on a diet, and someone prepared some baked goods, and then opened the oven to preserve heat. Ignore the kitchen and go to the bedroom or nursery for a dose of cuddles. Believe me, these are better than cookies! Winter is a time when you need to give and receive warmth!

How to heat a room using improvised means if there is no heater

When the temperature outside is below comfortable, and the batteries are turned off, we will warm ourselves up with whatever we can. It is not necessary to turn on convectors; they will significantly increase the cost of electricity. We can cope without them!

Educational program: Tips on how to choose a heater: top 5 popular types and rating of the best models

Insulation of windows and doors

Before heating a room, you need to make sure that the heated air will not leave it. To do this, check the thermal insulation of windows and doors. Those places where the blizzard is ringing need to be sealed with tape or sealant to reduce air circulation.

If there are no trims on the doors, install them. They serve as an additional barrier from the cold. On windows, special attention is paid to slopes - old plastic ones can become deformed over time and develop microcracks through which coolness enters. They should be replaced or sealed with sealant. This will help temporarily fix the problem. In the summer, you should start restoring doorways and window slopes.

Inspect the doors inside the room. They should close tightly. Then the coolness will have no chance to break into the room from the outside.

Honest comparison: Which is better: an electric convector or an oil heater - 7 facts

"Kitchen" methods

It is enough to start cooking, using as many kitchen appliances as possible, and the room will become noticeably warmer.

The refrigerator provides, albeit weak, constant heat. And the colder it is inside the device, the more heat it produces outside. The same goes for freezers.

A gas stove provides a lot of heat. The main thing is to monitor the flame so that it does not go out or move outside the burner. In other cases, like induction cookers, you will have to put a large pan of water on the “fire”. The boiling liquid produces steam, which warms the room and humidifies, replacing the humidifier and air washer.

True, you risk exceeding the humidity in the apartment, which will negatively affect your well-being. In this case, it is wise to use a dehumidifier with a built-in hygrometer. It automatically dries the air when humidity levels exceed the norm.

Electric ovens and multicookers cook food by heating the air inside the device. And no matter how thermally insulating the case is, these devices still give off heat to the environment. Let the air in the kitchen warm up by 1-2°C, this is also the result.

On topic: How to choose a convector in 2022: 5 hacks to stay warm

Natural warmth

The sun is an excellent source of heat. You can get the most out of it in the following ways:

• Let in as much sun as possible

The rays pass through the glass and heat the surfaces from which they are reflected. The outer surface gives off its heat to the room. In winter, maximum insolation (sun exposure) is critical, so do not block the rays with flowerpots and shelving.

• Hang thin translucent curtains

They will become an additional barrier from cold air, but at the same time let the sun's rays into the room.

• Buy curtains

Hanging them when the sun goes down. Thick fabric blocks air flow even better, but at the same time it prevents light from “warming up” the floor and other surfaces. So during the day, let the light shine through a bare window, and at night, curtains will protect you from the wind.

Important knowledge: How to choose the right heat gun: 4 key values ​​to defeat the cold weather

We use electrical appliances

Energy is heat. Every operating electrical appliance releases it into the environment, even if the “warming” factor is not included in the original tasks.

Those who like to play or work hard in “heavy” programs have noticed how their laptop or computer begins to make noise. This is no accident - from such a load they heat up, and the cooling system removes the heat outside. In this simple way you can warm up the air a meter or two from the PC.

A vacuum cleaner will also help “in the battle for warmth and cleanliness.” In most devices, warm air comes out from the back of the device during operation. This will warm the room by 0.5-1.5°C.

Don't forget about the hairdryer too. If it is powerful, it will serve as a short-term mini heater for some area of ​​the room. The main thing is not to place it on fabric - this creates a fire hazard. At night, before going to bed, you can warm up your bed linen. This is done like this:

1. Turn on the hair dryer at maximum power and move it at a distance of 10-15 cm from the fabric.
2. After 3-5 minutes, the bedding will become quite warm and comfortable for a night stay.

By the way: Which is better - a fan heater or a convector: 4 points for thought

Warming of surfaces

If in summer it is recommended to hide thick textiles, in winter they become an excellent way to make a room warmer without a heater.

Thin satin and chiffon do not retain heat - as soon as you leave the bedroom for 5-10 minutes, bedding made from these materials will immediately become cool. But knitwear, terry fabrics and other dense textiles retain the “life-giving warmth” longer.

In winter, you should use the properties of such fabrics to the maximum - lay a carpet on the floor, cover the bed with a warm blanket or blanket, throw several pillows on the sofa and armchair and cover with blankets. Textiles will store heat and gradually release it into the environment. A “naked” room without textiles cools down in 1-2 hours, a “dressed” room stays warm for 3-5 hours. The difference is significant!

Read: Window air conditioner: what it is, how it works, 6 pros and 3 cons of the device

Put the carpet on the floor

Rugs are a proven way to warm up cold floors. And it’s even more comfortable with them.

If your budget allows, it is better to choose a carpet made of natural wool. Such carpets are more pleasant to walk on, they are more environmentally friendly and retain heat better. For example, at IKEA, handmade carpets made from natural materials cost from 3.5 thousand rubles, Persian carpets made from wool - from 10 thousand rubles. At Hoff, the price of wool carpets starts from 4 thousand rubles.

The cost of synthetic carpets at IKEA starts from 600 rubles, at Hoff - from 1 thousand rubles.

Heating your home using passive heat and saving your family budget

If there are constantly drafts in an apartment or house, then not a single heater is capable of creating a comfortable temperature in the rooms. Experts call passive heat an alternative to mobile sources. After all, if cold air from outside constantly enters the room, then the radiators seem colder and the air is damper.

What is passive heat and how to create it in your home:

1. Check the seals on windows and entrance doors. If they were installed more than 5 years ago, then there is a high probability that the silicone or rubber has dried out and does not perform its function.
2. Tighten the fittings. Hinges, locks and handles become loose during use, so they create cracks that, like a vacuum cleaner, pull warm air out into the street.
3. Glaze and insulate a balcony or loggia. Another option for maintaining a comfortable temperature in the apartment, which can retain heat in the room up to 25%.
4. Insulation of walls. If you are planning to renovate your apartment, then you should consider this heat preservation option. Modern materials are thin and light, so the usable area of ​​the room will decrease slightly.

Having considered all the options for heating a house and apartment in winter, you can certainly find your own method that will be quite effective and not expensive. But, before purchasing heaters, it is worth finding out the cause of the cold and eliminating it, otherwise the consumption of electricity for heat will be irrational.

How to keep your home warm

8. Attach a sheet of foil behind the radiator and it will reflect heat back into the room with little heat escaping through the wall. It is worth noting that the gap between the foil and the battery must be at least 3 cm.

9. If for one reason or another you cannot attach a metal foil screen, try insulating the house from the outside. Order insulation of the end wall (as a rule, this is done with special slabs).

10. Shower with the door open (if possible). The heat and moist air created by bathing will raise the air temperature throughout the house.

11. Dry things in the house. Just like swimming with the door open, this method increases air humidity, and you will feel more pleasant and comfortable.

Warm floor in winter in an apartment

The most popular system today, which can even allow you to abandon stationary batteries when they do not warm the rooms at the proper level. When installing such apartment heating, water or electricity can act as a coolant. Liquid heated floors are more often used in rooms such as the kitchen, toilet and bath. The system is laid on a flat base and can be covered with ceramic or vinyl tiles, which will allow you to walk barefoot without fear for your health. Tubes with water have a closed cycle and will not require monitoring the condition of the liquid.

Electric heated floors have a simpler installation technology; simply lay a special film on a flat base and cover it with linoleum, laminate or carpet. The coolant is equipped with a timer and heating temperature regulator. There is no need to monitor such equipment, and it consumes relatively little electricity.

When installing a heated floor, one point should be taken into account - the film should only be placed in open areas; it should not be placed under cabinets, sofas, armchairs and other furniture.

How to keep warm in a cold room: other effective ways

In order not to feel the cold, you need to wisely use your body heat. It is not necessary to put on 3-5 layers of clothing. It’s enough to put on thermal underwear - then you can walk around the house in just pants and a shirt.

The old-fashioned method also helps - a heating pad. Pour hot water (but not boiling water) into it, close it tightly and place it on the bed. Within 5 minutes the bed will become a comfortable temperature. If you don’t have a heating pad or an Esmarch mug at home, plastic bottles will help you quickly warm your bed. They are filled with warm water (up to 60-70°C) and placed on the bed.

Try to warm yourself up from the inside - drink warm tea or coffee. Alcoholic drinks, although they create the illusion of warmth, provide a short-term effect due to the dilation of blood vessels. As soon as they return to their original state, it will become even colder. So it’s better to drink tea and eat hot, hearty food.

What to consider when choosing a heater

Which heater best suits your needs? To begin with, you will need to remember this ratio: 1 kW is heating 10 m2 of room. Accordingly, when choosing a heat source for a house or cottage, you need to evaluate whether it can heat it efficiently.

There are several types of room heaters available in the market. They all have different shapes, sizes, comfort and many other features. Such equipment can be divided into three main categories depending on the technology and heating method:

• 1. Infrared heaters
• 2. Fan heaters
• 3. Oil space heaters

Let's look at the main offers of heating equipment, selection criteria, pros and cons: 6 main types of heating equipment for the home.

Buy an electric blanket or sheet

Go to a cold bed? It's unpleasant to even think about. Sometimes you cover yourself with three blankets, but still can’t get warm and sleep. To fall asleep only in a warm bed, use an electric sheet or blanket. They are equipped with special heating elements and have several temperature settings. Turn on the sheets 15-20 minutes before going to bed and go about your business. When you return, the bed is already dry and warm.

Electric sheets are completely safe, because they are equipped with an automatic shut-off system, and you choose the time yourself (usually the sheet needs to be turned off after three to seven hours of operation).

The power of the sheet is 40–100 watts, but a lot depends on the model and size of the device. And, by the way, the electric sheet can be washed (the cable with which the sheet is heated is removable).

What should you do according to the law to avoid freezing?

First you need to document your problem. In a very real way. First you need to notify the emergency dispatch service. It must be specified by the managing organization. The appeal can be either oral, including by telephone, or in writing. The tenant must indicate his first name, last name, patronymic, residential address and describe the problem - the room temperature does not meet the standards.

In turn, the service employee is also obliged to provide his last name, first name, patronymic, registration number of the application and time of its receipt. If the emergency dispatcher knows the reason why your home is cold, they should notify you. Thus, the management organization acknowledges the fact of non-provision of the service or its inadequate quality. This must be recorded in the log book. This mark serves as the basis for recalculating the payment for heating. The exact time of establishing the fact of non-provision of the service is specified. This should happen within three business days. An inspection must then be conducted with the participation of the utility representative and the applicant.

Based on its results, an act is drawn up that they must sign. This act also serves as a document according to which you have the right to request a recalculation.

But management organizations often do not admit guilt and do not agree with the applicant’s claims. In this case, a secondary check must be carried out. Representatives of the state housing inspectorate and public association of consumers have already been invited to attend. And based on its results, an act is also drawn up signed by the consumer, executor, inspector and public representative.

Having this act in hand, the consumer already has every right to demand recalculation. The act must indicate the violation of quality parameters, the time and date of the beginning of the non-provision of utility services.

More details on Pravoved.ru: https://pravoved.ru/question/1832555/

Brew warming teas

What does “warming” mean? “Any hot tea warms you,” you say. Yes, you can’t argue with that, but still, winter teas must contain special ingredients: ginger, cinnamon, lemon, honey, cloves, pepper. Here, for example, is a recipe for ginger tea with apple and lime:

• 0.5 l of water;
• 3–4 cm of ginger root;
• a pinch of cinnamon;
• 1 tsp. green tea;
• 3 tsp. flower honey;
• carnation;
• 1/2 lemon;
• green apple and lime slices.

Cooking method:

• Peel and finely chop ginger root;
• pour water into a saucepan, add ginger, cinnamon, cloves;
• bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes;
• put honey and lemon (squeeze the juice from the lemon and throw the rest into the saucepan);
• cook for another 5 minutes;
• Brew green tea in a teapot, strain the hot broth into it;
• Pour into mugs, adding green apple and lime slices. Ready!

Heating an apartment using floor skirting boards

This system is the easiest to install and has a low cost. The heating element can be infrared radiation or electricity. Floor skirting boards will not require dismantling and subsequent installation of laminate or linoleum; you just need to remove the old elements and replace them with special ones. This heating method distributes heat not only vertically, but also horizontally, which promotes uniform air circulation in the room. Warm skirting boards are made in different designs and colors, so choosing a suitable element for parquet boards, linoleum or tiles will not be difficult.

The use of this type of heating is especially important in large living rooms and children's rooms. The hall can be the coldest place in the apartment due to its size, where central heating often does not cope with its task. Skirting boards will allow you to evenly distribute warm air in the room and prevent corners from freezing, which leads to the formation of mold and an unaesthetic appearance of the finish. In a children's room, the use of a warm perimeter will allow you to calmly let your child play on the floor without worrying about his health.

When installing heated baseboards, the main thing is to maintain the continuity of the system; the only exception can be an interior door, but if it has a threshold, then the heating element can be installed in it.

How to keep your home warm

1. In the morning, open the curtains and/or blinds to allow sunlight into the house. Glass in a window allows light to pass in, but not back out. In the house, light accumulates, bouncing off walls and furniture, and eventually turns into heat.

2. Use thick (blackout) curtains at night to prevent heat from escaping through the windows. Without sunlight, windows become your enemy. Create thick wallpaper to prevent heat from escaping.

* You can simply use a thick blanket to which a rod or stick is attached to maintain the shape.

Measure your window and find something solid, such as a stiff rod or strong stick, that you can then wrap the curtain around. You can also use an old curtain rod (if you have one).