How to Warm Up a Room

Use Windows and Curtains to Warm Your Room with Sunlight. One of the easiest ways to heat up a room is by harnessing sunlight, the natural warming source provided by Mother Nature. In general, during the day, you should let as much sunlight as possible shine into your room, while at night, you should prevent heat loss. To optimize results, you also need to know which windows in your room get sunlight. Typically, windows that face south in the northern hemisphere, and those facing north in the southern hemisphere, will receive the most sunlight. Here is a simple step-by-step guide you can follow:

• Morning: Before heading to work or school, close all your windows and open the curtains fully.
• Afternoon: Leave the curtains open until the sunlight is no longer shining into your room. Close the curtains as soon as it starts to get dark and colder.
• Night: Keep the windows and curtains shut throughout the night to trap the warmth inside.

Wearing warm layers of clothing without using energy. In today's world, where climate change caused by human activities is becoming a major concern, many consumers are choosing environmentally friendly options, such as keeping themselves warm instead of heating the room. Wearing a jacket, sweater, or sweatpants indoors is a great way to stay warm without using any energy for heating (or paying any bills for it). If the room is extremely cold at night, try layering more clothes. While some might find it uncomfortable to wear thick clothing, soft materials like workout pants and fleece jackets will keep you warm without causing discomfort. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, rayon, and similar materials retain heat very well (which is why they’re uncomfortable in summer).

Place a hot water bottle on the bed. One of the worst feelings is walking through a freezing room in your pajamas, only to find that the bed is just as cold. While the bed will warm up once you're under the covers, you can avoid the chills by heating the bed before getting in. A hot water bottle is an excellent way to do this: just fill the bottle with hot water, screw the cap on tightly, and place it under the blankets in the middle of the bed for about 15 minutes before getting in. As the bottle cools, it will release warmth, making you feel cozy and warm when you lie down. Medical hot water bags are available at pharmacies or online, costing anywhere from a few hundred thousand to several hundred thousand VND. If you're using a microwave to heat water, be sure to use microwave-safe containers, such as glass or ceramic bowls.

Use blankets to seal the gaps. One of the most frustrating issues when trying to keep a room warm is the drafty gaps where cold air seeps in. You can use old rags or blankets to block these gaps while you wait for a more permanent solution (such as replacing drafty windows, etc.). This simple trick can make a huge difference when chilly winds creep in. Not sure if there are gaps in your room? There are many ways to detect them. One simple method is to place your hand near the edges of windows or doors and feel for moving air. You can also use a candle to test—if the flame flickers when you bring it near the gaps, that’s a sign of a draft. You can also refer to this energy.gov link for additional air leak detection tips.

Use your heater or fireplace most efficiently. If there’s a heater or fireplace in the room but the space doesn’t seem to warm up much, try these tips to boost the heating performance (and save some money): Ensure there are no obstructions in front of the heater, such as sofas, which are common in traditional homes. Attach foil behind the heater (using a sheet of foil the size of the heater). The foil will reflect the heat that would normally be absorbed by the wall, helping to warm up the rest of the room. If you're using a portable heater, make sure to place it in the smallest possible space to maximize its efficiency. For example, a portable heater in a small bedroom will warm the room much better than one placed in a large living room.

Invite guests over. We often forget that humans have an innate need for social interaction, and they also act as 'natural heaters,' continuously emitting warmth into the surrounding air. If a couple of guests are present in the room, you'll immediately feel the difference—body heat and exhaled air will help warm up the room. Keep in mind that the smaller the room and the more people are active, the warmer it will get. In other words, a lively party in a small room will generate more heat than a few people lounging on the couch in a large living room. If you can’t get friends over because everyone is busy, even pets can help keep you warmer (unless they’re cold-blooded animals—fish or lizards won’t do much for warmth).

Use a hairdryer to blow warm air onto the bed. This tip might seem a bit strange, but it actually works. Essentially, a hairdryer functions like a mini space heater with a fan inside. You can direct the warm air straight onto the bed or lift the blanket and point the hairdryer's nozzle into the blanket to create a warm air pocket before getting into bed. Just be careful not to let the metal parts of the hairdryer touch the bedding, especially if it's made from materials that can melt, like polyester or similar fabrics.

Buy a heater for your bedroom. Clearly, if you don't already have a heater, you might consider purchasing one. Electric heaters are available in a wide range of sizes and capacities at most stores, making them a suitable solution for any room size (and budget). Keep in mind that electric heaters can consume quite a bit of electricity. While turning off the central heating can help save, using a space heater frequently will still impact your energy bills. Always follow safety guidelines: don't leave the heater running unattended (even when you're asleep), and avoid using fuel-burning heaters indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Purchase an electric blanket for the bed. While once considered outdated, electric blankets are making a comeback due to the comfort and energy savings they offer. This device can help you sleep peacefully in a cold room. The best part is that electric blankets use much less energy compared to electric space heaters. A study found that electric blankets can save up to 50% to 75% of energy. It's best to turn the electric blanket on a few minutes before going to bed. You can turn it off once you fall asleep to save even more energy.

Add more blankets. For many people, there's nothing more comforting than snuggling under a pile of thick blankets on a cold day. The more blankets you add, the more heat your body will retain. Extra layers of blankets create a 'thermal pocket' that traps heat, preventing cold air from escaping into the environment. Generally, fluffy materials (like wool, fleece, and down) are the warmest. The air trapped in the tiny spaces within these fabrics holds heat close to your body. Don't forget, you can wrap yourself in blankets while moving around the house, especially if you’re not ready to leave the warmth of your bed.

Hang thicker curtains. Windows are one of the most frequent sources of heat loss in a room. To combat this, try hanging thick, heavy curtains over the window and pull them shut as soon as the outside temperature drops in the evening. Thick curtains will help reduce the rate at which heat escapes through the glass and keep the room warmer for longer.

• If curtains are too expensive, you can hang an old blanket in front of the window to achieve a similar effect.

Cover the floor (and walls). Hard, smooth surfaces like wood, tile, and marble retain heat less effectively than carpets. In fact, an uninsulated floor can account for up to 10% of the total heat loss in a room. If you dislike the cold sensation on your feet when stepping onto the floor in the morning, consider placing a rug on the floor or carpeting the entire space. This will also help maintain warmth in the room after turning off the heater compared to a room with tiled floors.

• You can sometimes cover the walls with similar materials, like rugs, to enhance heat retention. Decorative rugs look great on walls and also make your room feel a bit warmer.

Use better insulation materials. While it can be a significant expense, investing in new insulation materials for your home can be well worth it in the long run, as it can substantially reduce heating fuel bills (especially in older homes with numerous gaps). Of course, another benefit is that you'll feel warmer and more comfortable. Here are some insulation options you might want to consider:

• Wall insulation (fiberglass, etc.)
• Window insulation (double or triple-glazed windows, protective films, etc.)
• Door insulation (rubber gaskets, floor sealants, etc.)
• Not every home is the same, so the amount of work needed can vary widely. It's advisable to consult with an experienced contractor (or several different contractors) and get estimates to make the best decision.

• You could try drinking warm, soothing beverages before bed, ones that won’t disturb your sleep, such as caffeine-free tea.
• Don’t just focus on keeping your head warm while neglecting the rest of your body. Scientists have debunked the old myth that people lose half of their body heat through their heads.
• If there’s a fireplace in the room, warm air can escape through the chimney. Consider using a chimney cap to seal the opening. Don’t forget to remove the cap before starting a fire!
• Believe it or not, some people fill a hot water bottle with dried cherry pits instead of water to warm their bed.
• Make sure the windows are tightly shut.
• A way to make a warm compress is to heat a handful of rice in an old sock. Alternatively, you can dry your clothes in the dryer for 15 minutes. When you go to bed, you’ll feel the warmth spreading through your body.

• Be cautious when using heaters, stoves, and hot water bottles to avoid burns.

• Warm clothing
• Heater
• Blanket
• Hot beverages