If you’ve caught a chill this winter, you’re not alone! It’s been bitterly cold here in Upstate New York, and there’s no end to the cold weather in sight.

Tired of turning up the heat to stay warm? Try some of these helpful hacks for warming up your home without cranking up the thermostat.

8 Ways To Heat Your House Without Turning Up the Heat

Looking for some creative ways to stay warm this winter? Try some (or all) of the tips below!

Put Fleece Sheets and Extra Blankets on the Beds

Adding extra warm bedding can make beds extra snuggly during winter months and can help to keep you warm without increasing the temperature in the house. Fleece sheets are especially great because they don’t feel cold when you get in!

Seal Your Windows

Sealing any cracks in your window frames can make a big difference when it comes to preventing drafts. You can caulk the cracks, or you can completely seal your windows with plastic to keep drafts at bay. They sell plastic window sealing kits at most home improvement stores and though it may look like you have plastic wrap on your windows for a few months, it does make a significant difference when it comes to keeping your home warm without turning up the heat.

Close the Curtains

Opening the curtains during the day to let the sun in is a great idea, but make an effort to close them in the evenings when the sun goes down. Heavy curtains help to block drafts and keep heat inside.

Bake Something

Cooking and baking tend to warm up the house. During especially cold weeks and months, plan to do some baking! Whether you cook something in the oven for dinner or bake a special treat for dessert, you’ll be helping to heat the house – especially if you leave the oven door cracked when you’re done.

Add Some Throw Rugs

Chilly floors can make your home feel colder than it is, especially if you’re walking around barefoot. Try putting some throw rugs around to cover up cold tile, hardwood, and laminate floors.

Close Off Rooms You Don’t Use

If you have any spare bedrooms or storage areas in your house that aren’t in use and don’t need to be kept warm, close them off. Shut the door to those rooms and put a draft stopper along the crack at the bottom of the doorway. This way, you’ll be able to warm the rest of the house more efficiently.

 Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Many people don’t realize that their ceiling fans can be used for more than just staying cool during the summer months. Most fans have a small reverse switch that can change the direction of the fan. Be sure to flip the switch while the fan is off. Reversing your ceiling fan will enable you to blow rising heat downward, helping to make the rooms in your home feel warmer.

Bundle Up

Dressing warmly even while you’re relaxing at home or taking care of things around the house can help to keep you warm at home even if you haven’t turned up the heat. Socks, cozy sweaters, and layers can make a big difference.

Winter Is Cold, But Your Home Doesn’t Have To Be

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to heat your home efficiently this winter and stay nice and warm while doing so!

Interested in other tips to prepare your home for the winter cold? Read our tips for winterizing your Upstate NY home.