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Health & Fitness

Staying warm in the winter – without turning up the heat

Maryland has certainly experienced its fair share of winter weather this season, and the Villages of Urbana hasn’t been exempt. Although one of the benefits to living in Maryland is being able to experience all four beautiful seasons, we know that many could do without the bitter cold. And perhaps the least favorite part of winter for every homeowner is the heating bill that comes in the colder months.

All of the recent cold may be leaving some residents wondering what they can do to keep warm without sending their bills skyrocketing, and it turns out that there are many easy fixes to make sure you’re as warm as possible while still saving on the heating bill. Read on to find different ways to stay toasty in your home this winter season, without turning up your heat.

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· Consider a programmable thermostat. According to Popular Mechanics, 1 to 3 percent of a household’s heating bill can be saved for every degree the thermostat is lowered. Using a programmable thermostat allows homeowners to automatically set a time when the heat will be lowered – for example, during the weekdays when homeowners are at work – and can save an average of $180 per year.

· Close doors to unused rooms. One of the easiest things you can do to keep your house warm is to close doors to any unused rooms, which will reduce heat loss and lessen the circulation of cold air.

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·  Make sure vents aren’t blocked. Make sure that the vents in your home aren’t blocked by any furniture or rugs to ensure that the maximum amount of heat is being circulated into the home.

· Try some new recipes. Using the oven dries and heats the air in the kitchen, providing the double benefit of keeping you warm while you make delicious food for family and friends – or just to treat yourself!

· Turn ceiling fans on, but in reverse. Counterclockwise ceiling fan rotation cools air, but clockwise ceiling fan rotation causes warm air to be pushed down toward the ground. This will keep you warmer while cutting costs as much as 10 percent, according to Popular Mechanic.

· Replace furnace filters. Replacing or cleaning furnace filters once a month during the winter season can have a big impact on your heating bill. Dirty filters are less efficient because they restrict airflow and increase energy demand, hiking up your bills.

· Add a decorative and warm touch with a rug. On hardwood, tile, and other non-carpeted floors, adding a rug will help prevent heat loss through the floor and will be more comfortable to walk on than harder surfaces, which tend to be colder to the touch. Plus, you can use a new rug as an excuse to redecorate a room or add a unique touch!

· Switch up your bedding. Using flannel sheets and a down comforter will keep you warm while you sleep, particularly if you want to turn down your thermostat a few degrees during the nighttime. 

Just because the weather outside is frightful doesn’t mean your heating bill has to be. By following these quick tips, you can stay warm and happy knowing that you’re actively taking steps towards a budget-conscious household. At Villages of Urbana, our residents know that – despite the occasional cold spell – the Urbana area is a wonderful place to be. And spring will be here before we know it, allowing our residents to enjoy the beauty of the Maryland spring in scenic Urbana and nearby Frederick.

SOURCE: wikihow.com, Popular Mechanics

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