Time for cold weather tips
It’s that time of the year. It’s not cold yet, but you know the cold will sneak up on you like a rando gray hair. With that, here are a few cold weather tips to keep you and yours warm. Meanwhile, warm up your finances by paying off your debt with the free 7-Step Credit Card Debt Slasher here.
Staying warm with cold weather tips
Old Man Winter’s sticking the tip in now, but the worst is yet to come and you don’t want to be surprised. If the last few years are any indication, some of us are in for a long winter.
Even though gas prices are going down now (Joe Biden did that), who knows what the next six months has in store for us. That’s why we’re practicing the Boys Scout ethos to “always be prepared.”
Full disclosure, we’ll be experiencing our first winter with the “beautiful” lake-effect of Lake Erie thanks to our new home in Toledo OH. So, preparing this list of cold weather tips was as much for us as anyone else.
Here are our recommendations.
15 cold weather tips
- Install storm windows correctly – Incorrectly installed storm windows or having no storm windows can let a lot of money go out the window (no pun intended)
- Install weather stripping – This is vinyl or rubber stripping installed around the tops of doors and windows with nails or staples. Though they don’t look pretty, they’ll do the trick until something more aesthetically pleasing can be installed during warmer weather.
- Install door sweeps – These are the rubber strips we often see at the bottom of doors. They help make the door flush to the floor and ensure money isn’t going out the door (pun intended).
- Stock up on hot chocolate – Nothing warms the heart and soul quite like a cup of hot chocolate on a crystal chilly day. Add Bailey’s if you want to feel warmer longer. We do!
- Add window shrink covering – This is like Shrinky Dinks for adults. Remember those? Place the specialized plastic sheets over your windows and shrink them to size with a blow dryer. The view and sun aren’t obstructed, but the cold is.
- Add shades and drapes -If you’re going for a modern or industrial look, this may not be an appealing idea. Of course, this could be a temporary solution. Either way, shades and drapes are an age-old solution for keeping out the cold in the winter and keeping in the cold in the summer.
- Use door snakes – To assist your recently installed door sweep or to use in place if you’re too lazy to install the door sweep, throw a snake or draft door stopper at the bottom of your door. Many of these are humorous. We used to have one that looked like a cow. We called her Lactaid.
- Cover pipes – If you have water pipes that are exposed to cold, wrap them with heating tape to protect them from freezing and bursting.
- Open cabinet doors – If you have water pipes between cabinet doors and exterior walls, open the cabinet door to allow heat around the pipes. This will reduce the risks of the pipes bursting.
- Put on Jason Mamoa – Nothing warms us like a few hours watching Jason Mamoa (or Lenny Kravitz – whoever strikes your fancy). Just turn them on and let the heat rise.
- Repair door and window leaks – It may be too late to do this correctly now. A temporary solution is to use caulking to fill any holes or leaks. When summer comes, have these repaired correctly.
- Wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket – This is a big blanket to wrap around your water heater. It’s a specialized big blanket, so don’t throw your favorite down comforter around it. Otherwise, you could run the risk of a fire. Water heater wraps can save 25% to 40% on energy bills.
- Insulate outlets – This is foam padding for around light switches and outlets. If you’re in an older house, it’s likely your outlets don’t have proper insulation. New homes don’t have as much of a problem, but it can’t hurt to check.
- Install attic and basement insulation – This step, too, may be too late, so add this to your “To Do” list for spring. Just like your head and feet, a lot of heat goes out the attic and basement of your home. Installing this magical pink stuff is like putting socks and a hat on your home.
- Install attic stair covers – This is an insulated lid or box to put over attic doors, particularly those in the ceiling.
- Dress appropriately – At the risk of sounding like Jimmy Carter, bundle up. Now is not the time to wear shorts and t-shirts at home. Dressing appropriately while in the home can save tons of money.
- Form a cuddle puddle – What’s better than your favorite man and favorite beasts? Turn your comfy couch or comfy bed into an even more comfy cuddle puddle with blankets, pillows and beasts.
These are our current, 17 favorite cold weather for surviving the coming winter. After our first Toledo winter, we may have more. Meanwhile, what are your favorite tips for staying warm during the coldest of months?
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