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Cut Heating Costs by Wrapping Up Warm, with These Dressing Tips.

On a cold, winter's day or night, you'll be glad of your heating system, but you won't be so glad to receive your next energy bill. Heating bills can rise sharply in a cold spell, as you turn the temperature up and up. It can be very difficult for a low income family to keep up on their bills.

But fortunately, there's a cost-free alternative to extra heating - wrapping yourself up. Just dress warmer! You may have tried putting on an extra jumper and found you're still cold. That's because there's an art to really snug, effective wrapping up. Try these tips for dresser warmer in your home, and you'll soon be turning the heaters down, saving money in the process.

Dress in layers

Wear multiple (a few up to several) layers of clothes so that air can be trapped in between and warmed up by your body heat. This is a simple form of insulation and works a treat. The concept is really the same as insulation in your home.

Include a vest or T-shirt, a long-sleeved shirt or top, a sweater and a loose-fitting fleece or hoodie, with a thin extra layer in between if needed. Thermal Underwear is also valuable. As you warm up, you'll probably find you can shed one or two of them. You'll certainly find you can turn the heating down.

Cover extremities to stay warm

Toes easily get cold, so wear two pairs of socks - including a thick pair - inside your slippers or shoes. Fingers are also vulnerable to the cold, so wear fingerless gloves, leaving fingers free for fine work - like turning the thermostat down. If you don't have any fingerless gloves, cut down an old pair or look out for a pair in a thrift store. Old socks, cut off at the toes, can also serve as hand warmers.

 

 

 

 

Keep your head warm too. Earmuffs, a headscarf or a woolly hat will keep your scalp and ears warm. While studies vary, it is estimated that 5 to 15% of body heat is lost through your head and other extremities. Keep them covered to save money as you will not need to heat your entire home.

Wear leggings

Leggings, tights or pajama trousers, worn under your trousers or skirt, will provide cozy insulation for your legs. Tuck them into your socks to prevent drafts. The warmth generated will rise through your body, making extra heating unnecessary. That's how easily you can save money on your heating bills during the winter.

Fill in the gaps to save body heat

Gaps between garments will let out warmth generated and allow cold air in, so tuck your clothes into each other. Make sure the layers are tucked into each other. Pull your collar up, do your top button up and wrap a scarf around your neck to cover any gaps in that area. Pull your vest and undershirt down and tuck them into the tops of your trousers or skirt. Pull your socks up high and tuck your sleeves into your gloves. You'll feel snug as a polar bear, even in the chilliest corner of the house.

Wear absorbent inner clothes

Your inner garments need to be absorbent to collect air and body warmth. Cotton, lycra, polyester or nylon will serve well for inner layers, with more substantial fabrics, like wool, velvet, corduroy, tweed or a padded garment, over them. Remember - every layer will save the need for expensive extra heating.

Wear an airtight outer layer

If you're still not quite warm enough, throw a sweater or fleece garment on. Then try a coat or jacket over the top. Clothes that are designed as outer layers tend to be draft-proof and waterproof, preventing cool or moist air from penetrating. Zip or button up, and if you have a hood, put that up, too. Keep a woolly rug handy to wrap over your legs when sitting down for long periods, just in case. Always think how else you can wrap up before you resort to more electric heating.

 

 

 

 

If, by any chance, you're still chilly, get moving. Exercise will warm you up in no time. You could check all the doors and windows are shut, too. There are plenty of ways to keep warm indoors without running up budget-breaking heating bills.

By: Jon McNamara

 

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