6 Essentials for Keeping Your Home Warm and Cozy
Keeping your home warm during the colder months doesn’t require massive renovation projects. There are winter must-haves that can help you, your family and guests stay warm and cozy as you celebrate the holidays.
Discover six essential items you’ll be grateful to have as you brave the cold weather.
Electric Fireplace
Did you know a traditional wood-burning fireplace can harm your health and the environment? It produces dangerous fumes, such as carbon monoxide, into your home. When you use low-quality wood that doesn’t burn properly, particulate matter gets mixed into your indoor air, which may cause lung and heart issues.
An electric fireplace is a more eco-friendly option for your airways, home and the environment. It’s also cost-efficient because you won’t need to spend on expensive chimney sweepings, wood and maintenance fees.
With a quality electric fireplace, all you need to do is plug it in and savor the warmth in your space. The Elmcroft Wide Mantel with Linear Electric Fireplace from Ameriwood Home can offer warmth to a room up to 400 square feet.
Smart Thermostat
With a smart thermostat, you can save time, energy and money. You can schedule your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to run less while you’re outside, program your smart A/C thermostat to cool your home an hour before you arrive and track your energy usage. Using this technology can also help lower your electricity bills.
You can try out the New Smart Thermostat Premium from ecobee — this uses artificial intelligence (AI) learning to regulate the room’s temperature. It has a built-in air quality monitor that alerts you when it’s time to change your furnace’s air filter. Control the device through its touchscreen, your smartphone or voice command through a built-in Amazon Alexa speaker.
Space Heater
If you’re looking for a space-saving device to warm your room, you’ve probably heard about space heaters. This technology comes with high and low settings, which can keep you warm and cozy during the colder months.
A space heater is an excellent alternative to costly fireplaces and other centralized heating systems, which can take a while to change the overall temperature in the area, as it provides immediate warmth and comfort. You just have to plug this device into any standard 180-watt outlet and savor the heat when you feel chilly.
There are various types in the market — the heating power may vary depending on several factors. Since this technology consumes less energy, it helps lower your electricity costs.
The Lifesmart HT1041 PTC Heater is a sleek, space heater designed to save space while providing powerful 1500W heating and automatically shuts off if the unit overheats or tips over.
Towel Warmer
Winter is all about comfort and staying warm wherever you are, including in the bathroom. Invest in a towel warmer to transform every bath into a spa-like experience.
It may initially seem superfluous, but if you love to stay warm and cozy, it’s a must-have for your bathroom. Rather than feeling chilly after stepping out of a steaming hot shower, you can relax as you dry off with a cozy towel or robe. Even better, a warmer can help keep your towels smelling fresh.
You can heat multiple towels and other linens in the Aromatherapy Towel Warmer from Zandro. This device measures up to 21 inches tall and can warm items to around 115° Celsius after 15 minutes.
Air Purifier
During winter, you and your family may spend more time indoors. During these moments, it’s essential to keep the indoor air quality at its best. With increased activities inside your home and decreased ventilation, there’s a possibility that airborne pollutants may get mixed in the air.
For instance, you may use a wood-burning fireplace that contributes to air pollutants. Cleaning products have chemicals, which release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause various health issues.
Maintaining good indoor air quality is as important as staying warm this winter, and an air purifier can help reduce the risks associated with air pollutants and VOCs. It can also help everyone get a better night’s sleep.
Look for a device that works all year to protect your health, such as this HEPASilent Air Purifier from Blueair. It cleans the air quietly, eliminating tiny airborne particles, pollen, mold allergens and dust. This device also works well with Amazon Alexa.
Weather-Sealing Tape
When you seal air leaks, you reduce the workload on your HVAC, leading to lower energy consumption and carbon footprint. You can use the 33-feet Weather Stripping Roll from CloudBuyer to prevent cold drafts, bugs and noise from entering your home.
Inspect and detect potential areas where gaps and leaks might occur. Pay attention to windows and doors for weatherstripping issues. Examine crawl spaces and attic for insulation gaps. Seal any openings surrounding switches, electrical outlets, conduits and pipes.
Stay Warm, Stay Happy
As you navigate the chilly season, let these home essentials be your winter ally. From smart thermostats to space heaters, these items ensure your home stays warm and cozy for you and your family. Stay warm, happy and savvy.