Although the calendar indicates that winter is not officially here yet, a significant drop in temperature has already been felt in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere according to recent news reports. While homeowners are urged to prepare themselves for a frosty couple of weeks ahead, many are concerned about the rising costs of the electricity and gas typically used to heat a house. While these are legitimate concerns, all hope is not lost as there are a number of affordable ways to keep yourself and your family warm this winter.

Throw Carpets and Rugs are Very Handy

Floors are responsible for almost 10% of heat loss in a home according to the National Energy Foundation. Carpets and rugs do a lot more than add style and colour to a room. These floor coverings were also created to bring warmth and comfort into a home. There is, after all, no question that a carpeted floor is warmer than a bare wood or tiled one. This is because carpets and rugs add a welcome layer of insulation to the floor, preventing cold air from seeping into the room.

Make the Most of Layers

Layering your clothing and blankets is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to stay warm during winter. Put on various layers of clothing in the morning and peel them off during the course of the day as needed. The same can be done with blankets. Put a few blankets on top of your bed before you crawl in and simply take them off one-by-one during the night if it gets too hot. Blankets are also perfect for cuddling on the couch in front of the TV. When making sure your family is warm, don’t forget about your pets. You can’t go wrong by investing in a few soft blankets for your pets. Both dogs and cats like snuggling up on blankets, after all.

Seal Any Leaks

If your home is drafty, it is bound to be cold. You can prevent cold air from coming inside (and warm air from escaping) by checking for poorly sealed windows, doors, and outlets. Once you have identified these areas, you should be able to seal up the drafts with relative ease. Caulking is a good way to seal windows and openings near electrical outlets while a rolled-up towel or newspaper can be used to prevent cold air from leaking into the house.

Winter has definitely arrived in some parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Thankfully, you do not need to break the bank to keep your family warm during the coldest months of the year.