The winter months are bad news for people who still have to drive or travel to work every day. It would help if you were worried about blizzard conditions and heavy snow on the road—not to mention the freezing temperature. Depending on your location, you can experience wind chills acoldsxtreme cold that impact your health.
The freezing air can cause your skin to dry and may even lead to winter eczema, irritations, and rashes. If you have asthma, stay at home with air pollutants like mold and dust that can trigger it. The cold weather can also result in overeating, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a higher risk of heart attack, and sedentary habits. If you’re among the luckier ones who get to stay at home most days, it’s still essential to ensure your home is warm and cozy enough to prevent wellness problems. Read on and find out how.
1. Get those soft furnishing out
Blankets, throws, and cushions can fill your living space with warmth and coziness. You don’t have to hold back on pillows; you can place them around your coffee table or on the chairs and sofa. You can go for oversized floor cushions or small fluffy ones. Interior designers also consider cushions not only functional for warming a space but also for aesthetics. Experiment with patterns, fabrics, and textures to get the coziest feel. Chenille and velvet are top fabric options for adding warmth and texture to a space. Get better aesthetics by mismatching them too. At the same time, warm blanks are worth the money. There’s nothing like wrapping yourself with it while curling up with a cup of coffee, writing, or reading. Add more blankets or throws, depending on the size of your space.
2. Add layers and more minor details
Who doesn’t want to wear layers of clothes in the winter months, right? But did you know that you can use layering in your home too? You can add layered decor, blankets, and rugs to create a warmer and cozier space to endure the colder months. You can place two boldly colored rugs on the rooms and decor the area with rustic pieces. Place big smooth blankets on the sofa or over other furniture pieces. While layers of oversized rugs and blankets can bring warmth to your space, don’t forget to add small details as well. Bring in extra warmth with cute indoor succulents and terrariums, scented candles, colorful wall decors, and some soft lamps to match your mood.
3. Have your furnace checked
The third step is to call a furnace expert to inspect your unit. Many homeowners skip this part as it often requires extra money. However, without proper maintenance inspection, your heating unit cannot only make it hard for you to warm the space. But it can also cause serious health issues from the release of unhealthy gases or air pollutants. An experienced furnace technician can check if your unit requires repairs or filter replacements. They can also test your heating unit to see if it’s functioning correctly and provides a comfortable temperature for the house. Tasks like HVAC maintenance should be done to prepare for the winter. It should be performed regularly all year round.
4. Install a programmable thermostat
Controlling the temperatures in your house is imperative for surviving the cold days and nights. One way to efficiently warm up your home without resulting in high energy costs is by installing a programmable thermostat. An average homeowner can save around 10% to 20% of their bills by efficiently setting their heating system with an intelligent thermostat. Other thermostats even have tempering settings for different times of day, from morning to evening. If you’re planning to install the thermostat yourself, check the owner’s manual first. Or better yet, hire a local installer to ensure proper installation of the device and that it fits your cooling and heating units.
5. Buy a temperature-regulating mattress
Chilly nights can make it harder for you to sleep comfortably and soundly. You can quickly solve the problem by getting a temperature-regulating bed. Instead of using electric blankets, you can regulate the temperature of your body through a good mattress. Such a feature can help keep you warm in the cold months and cool during the hot season. This is even beneficial for getting a refreshing good night’s sleep.
By keeping your home warm and cozy for the winter, you also get to protect yourself from different health issues. Create a sanctuary that isn’t just functional and aesthetically pleasing but instead a place where you can enjoy the nights and cold temperatures. And remember, make your living space your own.
