Weatherproofing: 6 Tips to keep out the cold
Ibiza’s sea air can turns chilly in autumn. Humidity, lower temperatures, and the fact that many houses and flats on the island were designed to stay cool in summer can add up to a cold, damp, uncomfortable house. You could spend a fortune running an electric radiator day and night. A cheaper, greener alternative is to take some simple, DIY steps to keep your home cozy. Here are six ideas we use!
Draught excluders
Technically, this is any item you use to keep the wind from whistling through the cracks under windows and doors. You can buy fabric draught excluders in fun shapes, or make your own. Just get a pair of sturdy tights, or long socks, stuff it with something weighty like old rags or dry beans and tie the ends off. Then place it against doors, window frames, or anywhere else you feel a breeze.
Area rugs
If you’ve ever walked across a tile floor barefoot in winter, you’ll appreciate how cold they can get! Unless you’re one of the fortunate few who have full carpets or underfloor heating, your best bet is rugs to cover the most trafficked areas in your home. A warm rug beside the bed, in the living room, and the hallway can go a long way towards keeping you toasty.
Curtains
If you don’t have curtains yet, buy thick ones and consider them an investment. They are a big help in keeping warm air in the house. You want to leave them open during the day to get as much sunlight as possible, then close them at dusk to keep the warm air in. If you already have curtains, you can improve their insulation properties by sewing (or pinning) another piece of fabric on the back. Hanging a curtain behind your front door is another great heat-saver.
Close unused rooms
A simple way to cut down costs and keep warm is to close any unused rooms. If you’re not in your bedroom or study during the day, shut the door. You can open it up and let the temperature equalise shortly before you’re ready to use the room.
Cooking & baking
If you’re going to use electricity or butane, you may as well get a hot meal out of it. Simmering soups and stews adds a lot of heat to the air. For maximum warmth (and good nutrition) simmer slow-cooking foods like chickpeas. Baking is another wonderful way to warm the house and make it smell delicious. If you’re not a kitchen wizard just throw in some potatoes and let them bake for 90 minutes.
Use a fan to circulate warm air
One of the problems with radiators or butane-burning stoves is that the heat pools around them. Use a small fan on a low setting to gently distribute the warmth with only minimal extra energy. The same applies to cooking. If you can, put a small fan near the stove to distribute the steam.
What’s your best tip for keeping cozy in autumn? Share in the comments!
