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Well the cold weather is here, and no matter if you live in Buffalo or Arizona winter means cooler temperatures. That of course can lead to higher energy bills. You can help to lower them by sealing gaps in windows and doors, installing a programmable thermostat, even adding insulation, but what if all that work still doesn't make your home comfortable and cozy this winter? There are a few things you can do to warm the place up and not break the bank.
In the winter months humidity is your friend. If you are lucky enough to have a whole house unit, then turn it up — a 30% humidity level in your home will hold more of the heat in the air and help you to feel more comfortable. But if that is not enough, then you may want to add a room humidifier. There are many good ones on the market, but one of the best is the Venta-Sonic. This unit creates all kinds of humidity and also lets you control the amount. Both a cool mist and warm mist can be achieved, and with its changeable filter you avoid the dust that sometimes comes from running cheaper units. $99, www.venta-sonic.com
Small electric heaters can do a great job of warming up a small space, like a corner of a room or under a desk, but they do not have the punch to heat an entire room. The new Portable Furnace does exactly as its name implies. This furniture-quality cabinet can heat a space up to 800 square feet safely and quietly. By using four infrared bulbs and a heat exchanger along with its own thermostat, you stay warm for a few dollars a day. And children can get right next to it without any worries. These units cost about $500, which makes for quite an investment. But considering the cost of a more permanent solution for your cold space, your money will be well spent with this unit. www.portablefurnace.com
Now you can heat with a little more style with the Dimplex electric fireplace and heater. These units are all electric and look so real when they are running. You can place them anywhere — in a house, condo, even in the basement to warm the space and add some ambiance. These units range in price and style from $199-700, depending on what you choose. www.dimplex.com
You can add warmth and style to your bathroom with the Runtal towel warmers. These stylish wall radiators will not only give you a warm towel to wrap up in when you get out of the shower or bath, they can heat the entire bathroom as well. The units are available in electric and hot water models and start at $380, plus installation. But boy, are these things cool www.runtalnorthamerica.com
And if you are installing a new tile floor in your home, then you have to put in a Nu-Heat floor heating system. This electric blanket installs under your new tile, on top of the sub-floor. The system, with its own thermostat, will heat the floor, and warm up your bare toes. The fabric comes in different sizes based on how large of a floor you need to heat. www.nuheat.com
If you have more questions, visit www.housesmartstv.com.
© 2012 MSNBC Interactive. Reprints
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