BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

In the words of the great Dean Martin…. Bbbrrrrr “baby its cold outside”. I know its not just me because on the streets I am seeing a LOT of beanies, gloves, scarves and dogs with puffer jackets on. Winter has hit Sydney hard and fast with the BOM predicting this cold snap is going to be around for a while. Chilling temperatures, record breaking snow falls, persistent rain and icy winds have had us all reaching for the Oodie, and with the rising cost of electricity we’re sharing some tips for keeping the cold at bay and the pennies in your pocket.

•    Seal cracks and gaps in your home. Think underfloor drafts and window gaps, particularly in older homes and apartments.
•    Thick is in…. look at window furnishings and think about adding thicker fabrications. Time to ditch the sheers and get heavy with it. Closing curtain and window furnishings will keep the warmth in too.
•    Spice things up in the kitchen… add some chilli to the soup or stew and raise the heat from the inside out…. It’s called ‘thermogenesis’ the science buffs.
•    Get floored…. Cover hard surfaces with rugs not only will it warm up the room but its kinder on the tootsies.
•    Clear the air… place column heaters in the room not next to walls or furnishings as they will absorb the heat and not radiate out to warm up the space.
•    Low and slow… turning the temp up high might be an instant relief but longer term it’s going to be a costly error. Set the thermostat lower and the heater will pause to maintain a desirable temperature
•    Woolly ways… it’s not the cheapest start to the season however an early investment in a pure-wool under blanket or doona (quilt) will warm up the bed, natural fibres maintain body temp and act as a natural insulator ... and a quality purchase will last for years.
•    Shut It … remember to obtain better efficiency of heat in your home shut the doors of rooms not in use. The less rooms open the more heat in the one you’re in.
•    Layer Up …. Throw on a jumper, keep your head warm and wear socks around the home or better still succumb to the Oodie craze.. they really do keep you super toastie …. But please don’t go near a naked flame!

Follow this links to learn more cost-effective ways to stay warm;

CHOICE : https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/heating/home-heating/articles/how-to-keep-warm-this-australian-winter-170915 

AGL : https://discover.agl.com.au/energy/how-to-stay-warm-and-save-energy-this-winter/

And finally if anyone knows how to stay warm in winter it’s the Victorian’s so here’s some tips from the southern state : RACV http://https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/lifestyle-home/saving-money/energy-efficient-tips-for-winter.html