It’s already almost December, and it’s time for you to rethink how you stay warm this winter. Energy usage issues and fuel emissions have many people concerned about how they can stay warm through winter without hurting the planet in the process. Cut down on your carbon footprint with these four techy tips for keeping comfy.
1. Take Warmth on the Go With Heated Clothes
Your bed and warm blankets can’t go everywhere with you, but your clothes can. Battery-powered heated clothes are a great way to stay warm wherever you go. If you’re feeling industrious and looking to save some cash, you can even make your own.
Heated gloves and jacket liners are a good place to start, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors. A snug – but not tight – fit will prevent drafts and allow you to get the most out of your heated clothes.
2. Stay Warm at Your Desk With USB Heat
Turn down the thermostat and just heat what matters: yourself! From slippers to seat cushions, heated USB gadgets are the perfect way to warm yourself up without spending a fortune heating empty space. These handy accessories can warm you up with just the power of a USB port, making them much more energy-efficient than cranking up the heat.
Cold weather can really wreak havoc on muscles. If winter leaves you achy and sore, a USB-powered heated massage pillow or hand massager may be just the fix you need.
Are frozen fingers slowing you down? You can also get heated keyboards, mice and mousepads to keep your hands warm and cozy while you work at your computer. USB-powered hand warmers are also a great option for keeping your hands warm at your desk.
3. Make Your Home Cozy With Radiant Heat
If you’re tired of walking on cold floors, hydronic radiant heat may be the perfect choice for your home. It feels like a heated floor and distributes heat more evenly throughout your home than old-fashioned forced-air heat. You’ll no longer have to plan your furniture around air vents.
Radiant heat is also easier on allergy-sufferers than forced air. With radiant heat, you won’t have to worry about mold and dust blowing out of grimy air ducts. Plus, switching from forced-air heat may decrease winter ailments like chapped lips and bloody noses, which are aggravated by the dry air flowing out of your vents.
Hydronic radiant uses very little electricity, making it a great option for your wallet and the environment. Plus, since radiant heating systems heat from the floor up, you won’t have to keep the thermostat as high to stay comfortable.
4. Don’t Forget Your Bathroom
If you’re tired of shivering after showers, try investing in a heated towel rack. You’ll feel like you’re in a luxury hotel every time you step out of the tub. If your hands feel cold and chapped after you wash them, a heated lotion dispenser may also be a worthwhile addition to your bathroom.
This season, get ready to put away your space heater and turn down your thermostat. With the right technology, staying warm and comfortable doesn’t need to be an energy-guzzling ordeal.
Photo credit: Theo Padouvas / Viskey & Gadget4All / Construction Projects /Vandue / Took a Pic
