Eight Inspired Ways to Keep Warm While Saving Energy

When it's so cold your fingers are stiff, you can't feel your nose and going outside seems as much of a challenge as running Tough Mudder, we're all inclined to reach for the radiator. Which is fine. But here are a few more creative, money- and planet-saving winter warmers to try first.

DIY TEA LIGHT HEATER

The suitably named Dylan Winter — journo, YouTuber and boat lover — has come up with an ingenious way of getting more than you'd ever imagine possible from your average tea light. He's able to keep his house warm for eight hours or so using just four candles, a bread tin and two flower pots. We have convection heat transfer to thank. Check out his instructional video to find out how you can DIY (and score a quick science lesson while you're at it).

GET BUSY ON ETSY

Etsy's creative types don't want to see you suffering any more than we do and quite a few of them have come up with the products to show it. First up, if the tiny cracks and crevices in your house are sending icy draughts your way, get your hands on a lovingly handcrafted snake, or equivalent. Those who aren't into handmade reptiles can opt for pretty much whatever they are into — be that cats, snowmen, crocodiles, tiger prints, abstract patterns or plain colours. Second up, keep your hot water bottle warm with a super-cosy, hand-knitted cover.

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

For some reason, winter never seems quite so unbearable when you're holding a warm, mulled beverage in your hand. Hot toddies, mulled cider, mulled wine; these are your go-to buds over the next three months. There are plenty of top notch recipes online, all featuring glorious combinations of whiskey, rum or red wine with lemon juice, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, aniseed, vanilla, even chilli — seriously, give it a go if you're feeling both cold and brave.

Yumi Sakugawa.

RECYCLE YOUR SOCKS - ON YOUR TOILET SEAT

We really don't need to go into detail regarding the ins and outs of mid-winter toilet-going, but before you toss those holey, good-for-nothing socks in the trash, think again. If your toilet seat doesn't quite cut a full oval, you can slide a sock on each 'arm' and thus bid a warm and cheerful farewell to unpleasant experiences. For circular seats, try an old T-shirt or jumper.

GET CREATIVE WITH CARDBOARD

Cardboard is one of the most effective (not to mention cheapest) insulators around. So next time you head to a winter festival or sports match or just want to perch on your front lawn, arm yourself with a box or two. Lay the card out on the grass, throw a blanket on top and there you have an enviably toasty picnic blanket. Add a tarp underneath if the ground is wet.

REWARD YOUR DOG WITH A SLEEPING BAG

Earlier this year, Seattle-based designer Andy Storms successfully crowdfunded the BarkerBag. It's a tear-drop shaped sleeping bag designed especially for your dog. By zipping it to yours and strapping your friend in via a cinchable collar, you're in the position to take advantage of some serious doggy body heat throughout the long, dark night. Whether your best mate's a chihuahua or a German shepherd, there's a BarkerBag for him/her. It's available in small, medium and large sizes.

GET OFF YOUR COUCH

Once the cold's set in, it's ridiculously tempting to let yourself transform into a sloth — just ask black bears, ground squirrels, hedgehogs, wood frogs and box turtles. But the bad news is, despite extensive Googling, we couldn't find you on a hibernating creatures list — anywhere — so we'd think you'd best keep moving. An enthusiastic leap off the couch, five minutes of intense cardio or yoga and you'll be warm in no time.

Flickr.

FIX YOUR FAN

Sure, you might usually associate your ceiling fan with warm summer days (*sigh*), but did you know that it can work in your favour in winter, too? All you have to do is set it to low and ask it to spin in reverse (i.e. clockwise). Warm air that's trapped close to the ceiling will be recirculated and sent downwards — where it should be.