by Sophia Ryzhikov

Created on: February 12, 2009

There are many ways to stay work in your home, and to reduce your energy bills at the same time. It is important to insulate your doors and windows properly to prevent a draft from coming through. You can also hang thick curtains, and a liner behind your tab curtains to protect against the cold air. Try to install thermal backed Roman shades, which can keep the heat in the room.

It is sometimes better to keep the curtains open during the day to allow the sun to heat the rooms. Try to hang curtains made from an insulating material that don't let the heat to escape. At night, shut your curtains to insulate the room from the cold night air. It is also a good idea to create a warm atmosphere by grouping couches and armchairs near the fireplace or the heater, and away from the windows and doors. Add color to your rooms by using bright red, green, and blue colors, as well as burgundy colors.

Create an inviting space by using warm and comfortable fabrics for your pillows, upholstery, and blankets. Make sure that you have plenty of lighting, including lamps and candles. They bring warmth to the room, adding a brilliant sparkle. If your dining room doesn't have a fireplace, and your are using your heater in the bedroom, or if you don't have a heater, try an electric stove, which will heat up a room well with a gentle heat flow.

If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, either preparing and eating meals, or doing homework, try to serve soups and warm, hearty meals, especially on the cold days. If people in your family eat their meals at separate times, instead of reheating your food multiple times a day, use a slow cooker or a ceramic tureen, which will allow the food to stay warm longer. When using the oven, try not to check on the readiness of your food too frequently, so that you won't release the oven's heat. Do not make too many trips to the refrigerator. Get the food that you are going to need right away, and make sure that you close the door properly every time.

Try installing a heater in the bedroom and turning down the thermostat during the night. A powerful heater will warm a small area well. Using plenty of throws, pillows and blankets will also help to lock the heat in. Depending on whether you can control your thermostat in every room, you can reduce your use of heat if you turn down the heat in the inhabited rooms when you are at work, or when there is nobody in a particular part of the house. All of these tips will help you to stay toasty in your home during the cold fall and winter months.

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