It can get plenty cold outside in these here Winter months. While we can’t fix that, we can stay warm inside our homes, without a king’s ransom to the utility companies.  Believe it not, there are actions you can take — easy, simple, and inexpensive — that can help to keep you cozy from here straight through to April.  

I’ve compiled a list of six inexpensive items that, over the long haul, could save you money and keep your thermostat nearer to the basement.

Remember that in winter the air is extra dry. That means our sweat evaporates more quickly and, in turn, that makes us cooler. Specialists and industry professionals say that, up to a point, moisture in the air helps keep us warmer, and that can lower our heating bills. 

Not only that, but humidifiers can help keep us healthier by easing allergy symptoms, or those of a cold or flu – there’s even research suggesting it may lessen the possibility of spreading Covid-19, though of course it's not substitute for masks, social distancing, or the vaccine. And it’s no secret what dry winter weather can do to our skin. 

The Hupro Home Humidifier, priced at $99.99, seems a pretty good bet, although I haven’t tried it myself. Humidifiers can be purchased for either more or less, but this one comes with great features, including a large capacity 5.5-liter water tank for use in rooms up to 500 square feet. 

Choose from cool or warm mist (up to 140°F) depending on your needs. According to Hupro, warm mist is more effective against stuffiness and cold symptoms, while cold mist reduces dust and static electricity. It should be mentioned that hot mist could be unsafe for use with young children.  

Since warm air rises to the ceiling and cool air stays closer to the floor, in the summer we set our fans for a nice cool breeze. In the winter, though, we reverse the fan’s direction to draw the cool air to the ceiling and push the warm down. Then, to be courteous, we should call the utility company to say we’re sorry.

According to Honeywell, the Carnegie Ceiling Fan, for $186.26 ($135.84 for matte black), features a 3-speed motor, which is, of course, reversible. A remote control unit is provided, so you can select one of three speed settings or a “walk away delay” and light dimmer. 

This handy dandy gadget, priced at $34.99 and up (depending on your flue size) is a real winner when it comes to blocking cold air from your cozy home. While winter is clearly the best time for burning logs in your fireplace, it’s the worst for warm air racing up and out the chimney. 

The manufacturer claims this product, which is made from imported wool, is superior to specialty balloons, pillows, or fabric fireplace covers. In addition, The Flueblocker is claimed to stop unwanted odors or debris from entering through the fireplace or wood stove.  

This one has to be the mother of all slap-your-forehead-with-your-palm revelations. It’s common sense that if you have a bottom draft from a door to the outside, that cold air (it sinks to the bottom, you remember) is going to barge right in. From there it seeks out all the other rooms, including where you sleep 

The Holikme draft stopper is said to be a “high quality” product made from non-toxic silicone which insulates from either cold or heat. In addition, the extra-strong adhesive is “non-gumming” and long-lasting.  

If that’s not enough, Holikme claims their product will keep your rooms a little quieter by insulating outside noise.  

The kit includes two packages of specially shaped blocking material 1.9” wide x 37” long. 

I’ll bet that even the Czars never had thrones like this one. UltraTouch promises that for $89.96, their heated white toilet seat (round or oval), with its Comfort Touch technology, will provide a “pleasant sitting experience.” That should be reassuring.  

The included 12-volt transformer is said to keep the seat a toasty 20-25 degrees above room temperature, approximating normal body temperature. It’s even UL-listed so we shouldn’t expect any inconvenient or embarrassing shocks. 

A special quick-release hinge makes cleaning a literal snap to perform by hand. And get this: The UltraTouch Heated Toilet Seat is dishwasher-safe. 

Let’s see now... we’ve covered the ceilings, bedrooms, fireplace, all the doors, and even the bathrooms. So what have we forgotten? Ahhh... the garage is what. Cold air knows no natural boundaries, so let’s talk about that, too. 

For just $43.75, Reach Barrier provides a do-it-yourself kit for insulating a “normal-sized” garage door. The company claims that, once the laminated 5/32 inch panels of reflective polyethylene are installed, they’ll reflect up to 95% of radiant heat.  

You can see the implications here: It sounds like someone will soon be paying less in utility costs. 

According to Reach Barrier, the panels exceed current fire codes and require no special tools or clothing to install. Each kit includes eight insulation panels, permanent bond adhesive tape, a garage door cleaning sponge, plus an easy-to-follow instruction guide. 

For more information on the Reach Barrier Garage Door Insulation Kit, just click on the name. 

For those with cold hands (and warm hearts?), who are trying to save on heating costs, we mention the Jomst rechargeable hand warmers.  

Sold for just $29.99 a pair, these battery-powered warmers are said to provide comfort to the cold-natured for up to 12 hours on a single charge. They're double-sided with three temperature settings and available in black, blue, or pink aircraft-grade aluminum.