This time of year, many of us dream of a decorated mantle, a fire crackling in the fireplace, bundled up on the couch with a mug of something warm, while snow gently falls outside (not in Alabama of course, but in our dream it’s a white Christmas so just go with it). Winter is the perfect “cozy” time and we want to share a few ways you can bump up the cozy factor in your home this year. At Autumn Air Home Services, we know staying warm in your home is an important part of being cozy, so if anything happens to your furnace, you know who to call for HVAC services in Bessemer, AL.
- Add more blankets and pillows
Can you ever have too many blankets? We say NO WAY! There are so many options from fleece to flannel and colorful to kinds with family photos! Many blankets aren’t super expensive and even make great Christmas gifts. Our rule of thumb is to have enough blankets for each person on the couch, although there’s nothing wrong with sharing either! Pillows on the couch or loveseat and a nice, inviting touch as well. Don’t be afraid of too many pillows!
- Candles or oil diffuser
Few things are as cozy as a few flickering candles in the room. Whether you choose scented, unscented, or even battery-operated, a few strategically placed candles can change the whole mood. Welcome to CozyTown! If candles aren’t your thing or someone in your household is bothered by the smell, battery-operated fake candles are amazing- many flicker so realistically that you probably won’t even know it’s not a real flame.
Oil diffusers are another great scented option. Not only do they add a pleasant smell to your space, many oils can calm and relax you. There are even oil combinations that can make your home smell like the holidays! If you’re looking for a way to make your home smell nice AND be able to enjoy it, then check out our next cozy tip.
- Make warm mulled cider
There are few things as cozy-smelling as cinnamon, orange, clove, and apple wafting through your home. Not only will your house smell like the holidays, you’ll also have a warm drink in your hands that bumps up the coziness even more. Here’s a quick, easy recipe for making your own mulled cider-
- 2 quarts apple cider
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks (approx. 3 inches long)
- 1 tsp whole allspice
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 1 dash nutmeg
- 1 orange thinly sliced
Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan on the stove and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain liquid to remove spices and orange slices. Serve warm in mugs with a cinnamon stick or orange wedge as garnish.
There are many variations of this drink, and even a crockpot recipe if that works better for you. Enjoy your mulled cider and the wonderfully cozy aroma that comes with it!
- Have your furnace inspected
It goes without saying that a furnace that’s not working can quickly kill the cozy vibes as you go from curled up with your favorite blanket to putting on all the clothes you own and get under 10 blankets. Cozy doesn’t have a specific temperature, but when you have to enter “survival mode”, there’s a problem. At Autumn Air, we want you to have comfort in every corner of your home- the ultimate cozy feeling. In order to maintain that, it’s important to have your furnace inspected and maintained annually. If you haven’t done that yet this year, it’s time to contact us for your tune-up which is part of the many HVAC services we offer in Bessemer, AL (and surrounding communities). Remember, if your heat goes out at any point this winter, call us immediately so we can get it fired back up in no time.
Happy holidays from Autumn Air Home Services!