Category Archives: Heated Products

Is Your Home Winter Ready?

With the coldest months of the year now on the horizon, it’s time to ensure your home is properly equipped to withstand the extreme temperatures, howling winds, snow, sleet, and hail that make up winter weather in most parts of the country. Here is a brief checklist of some of the more important home winterization tasks that will not only keep you warmer but may also reduce your energy bills:

Replace screen windows and doors with storm windows and doors
Clean out the chimney and fireplace (or pay to have it done) and replenish the woodpile
Clean out the gutters to prevent ice dams and blockage
Inspect the roof for loose shingles or other obvious damage
Apply caulk or weatherstripping to the inside of doors and windows
Reverse the ceiling fans in your home (i.e. run them clockwise) to draw warm air down into rooms
Inspect your furnace air filter and replace if necessary
Check the insulation in your attic and add more to any areas that show signs of deterioration

In addition to the above, using products such as heated mattress pads and electric blankets may also save money on winter energy bills by focusing heat on people instead of a whole room.

For example, a heated mattress pad provides enough warmth and comfort that you can turn your thermostat down (or even off) overnight without disrupting sleep. One reason for this is that the pad directs heat upward, allowing it to warm your blankets and comforter as well as your body. Meanwhile, electric blankets can serve as portable sources of warmth for use in bed, on the sofa, or at your computer desk.

If you haven’t winterized your home yet, you may end up spending more on your energy bills to compensate. Instead, carve out some time to implement these tips so you can warm up without draining your bank account.

5 Best Things About Fall

Gorgeous foliage. An end to stifling heat and humidity. Pumpkin spice everything. The approach of the holidays. There are so many great things about fall that it was difficult to limit ourselves to the five we love best, but here’s what we came up with:

The weather
Daytime temps are perfect for most every kind of outdoor activity imaginable, from hiking and picnicking to biking, flying kites, and exploring new neighborhoods on foot. Meanwhile, cooler nighttime temperatures yield ideal sleeping weather, particularly with the aid of a heated blanket later in the season.

College and pro football
Let’s face it: baseball hasn’t been “America’s pastime” for at least a decade now. These days, it’s all about college and pro football, so whether you prefer partying with a huge crowd in the student section at a university stadium or cheering on your hometown NFL team from the comfort of your La-Z-Boy, you’ll rejoice in the fact that football is back.

New TV shows
It’s finally time to bid farewell to the perpetual reruns and terrible reality shows that make up the bulk of summer television programming. Fall marks the return of regular cable and network TV schedules, which means fresh episodes of your favorite sitcoms and dramas, as well as a whole slew of new series to get addicted to.

Flattering clothes
Keeping fit enough for a typically revealing summer wardrobe is hard work, which is why most of us feel a great sense of relief when we can start wearing blazers, sweaters, and other clothes that hide our imperfections while still presenting a flattering appearance.

Winter is getting closer
Winter is obviously our favorite season, so perhaps the very best part of fall for us is the fact that we’re a couple months closer to long weekends of winter sports and activities in our heated vests, battery-heated gloves, and boot warmers.

This list covers a mere handful of the many benefits and pleasures associated with fall. As you enjoy what the season has to offer, don’t forget that now is the time to start gearing up for winter. We recommend stocking up on heated clothing and related accessories right now to ensure you’re ready for the cold and snow that’s just around the corner.

How to Clean Your Electric Blanket

With autumn quickly approaching, the nights will soon be cool enough to warrant use of an electric blanket. Whether you intend to purchase a new full-sized electric blanket, travel-sized electric blanket, or heated throw from CozyWinters or simply pull an existing one out of summer storage, here are some tips on how to clean it before use.

DO:

Remove all cords and controllers from the blanket
Vigorously shake the blanket to dislodge dust, pet hair, and other debris
Presoak in a mixture of cold or lukewarm water and laundry detergent to help get rid of tough stains or musty odors
Follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions printed on the care label attached to the blanket
If the instructions are missing, run the blanket through the “gentle” or “delicate” cycle of your machine
Put the blanket in the dryer for no more than 5-10 minutes at the lowest heat setting
If necessary, gently stretch the blanket out to its original shape after removing from the dryer
Finish drying by draping the blanket over a clothesline
Hand-wash with cool or lukewarm water in a tub if your washing machine is not large enough to accommodate the blanket

DON’T:

Dry clean, as the chemicals used in this process can damage the wires and insulation
Wring or twist to remove excess water
Iron the blanket
Use commercial dryers found in laundromats since the heat they generate is too intense
Use clothespins, safety pins, or similar items to secure the blanket to a clothesline
Plug in a blanket with frayed or damaged wiring, cords, or controls

Nothing beats the feeling of snuggling up with a warm electric blanket on a cool autumn night. Follow the above steps to get your blanket looking and smelling as fresh as possible before you put it into use for the season.

How to Improve Circulation

Poor circulation can be caused by any number of medical or lifestyle factors, including diabetes, hypothyroidism, lack of exercise, smoking, and obesity. Individuals that suffer from poor circulation typically experience coldness or numbness in their extremities, pain or cramping while walking, and slower healing of wounds. More serious issues, such as greater susceptibility to blood clots, kidney damage, and heart problems, may develop if the condition is left untreated.

If you currently exhibit any signs or symptoms of poor circulation, you should see your doctor immediately. In the meantime, you might be able to improve your circulation by doing one or more of the following:

Engage in some form of moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or biking, for at least 30 minutes per day
Stand up at least once an hour to stretch, shake out your limbs, and get your blood flowing a bit more
Wear battery heated socks (which you can find at CozyWinters.com) or compression socks to promote circulation through your lower legs
Do simple yoga poses designed to aid circulatory performance
Use far infrared heat technology, available in our Universal Heat Wrap, on your legs, back, shoulders, neck, and elsewhere to penetrate deep into tissue and stimulate blood flow
Limit your consumption of sodium, saturated fats, caffeine, and unhealthy, processed foods
Keep well hydrated by drinking at least 64 oz. of water per day
Prop your feet above heart level for a few minutes several times throughout the day to increase lower body circulation

Although these tips are in no way meant to replace professional advice or medical treatment, they could help improve blood flow and ease some of the discomfort caused by the more common side effects of poor circulation. Give them a try today.

Keeping Warm in a Chilly Office

To a majority of people, an air conditioned office is viewed as a welcome refuge from the hot, muggy midsummer temperatures that are currently afflicting most of the country. But, as the old adage says, you can have too much of a good thing, and this applies as much to artificially cooled workspaces as to anything else. So if the thermostat in your building is set to a point where it’s causing you more discomfort than relief, here are a few strategies for keeping warm in that chilly office:

Dress for your work environment

Even if the weather forecast calls for temperatures in the high-90s, you should still pack a jacket, sweater, cardigan, wrap, or shawl to combat the cold that you know is awaiting you at work. When you get in the habit of dressing for the office temperature instead of the outdoor temperature, you’ll naturally want to avoid bare legs (think pantsuits instead of skirts), short-sleeved tops, and other fashion choices that might leave you feeling frosty.

Get up and move around

Sitting quietly at your desk for long periods of time is the best way to ensure that the air conditioned chill goes straight to your bones. Counteract this effect by getting up at least once an hour to take a quick lap around the office, walk up and down a couple flights of stairs, or do some stretches to get your heart pumping and blood circulating. You can even go outside for a few minutes to let the summer sunshine warm you up.

Break out the winter gear

If sweaters and stretching aren’t enough to stop the shivering, don’t be afraid to break out some winter gear. For example, our CozyWinters electric throws and electric travel blankets are not only toasty warm, but also compact enough to store in a desk drawer when not in use, making them ideal for the office. And we’ve seen plenty of folks using space heaters, fingerless gloves, and wearable blankets throughout July and August to help fight the office chill.

Don’t let an overly air conditioned office have a negative impact on your comfort and productivity this summer. Use these strategies and your favorite CozyWinters products to stay warm all year round.

American Cities with the Harshest Winters

You don’t have to be a meteorologist to know that not all winter weather is created equal. Even if you eliminate places like Florida, Arizona, and Hawaii from consideration, there are still significant differences in average temperatures, wind chill, and snowfall from region to region, state to state, and city to city. Of course, in our statistics obsessed society, organizations such as The Weather Channel track and record every aspect of winter weather so we can see exactly how these locations stack up against each other.

Which American cities can lay claim to having the harshest winters? Well, that depends on the sources you consult and the criteria that were used to arrive at the rankings. But in general, the following 10 urban centers appear again and again on plenty of lists because of persistently low temperatures combined with heavy precipitation and snowfall rates:

Minneapolis, MN
Portland, ME
Philadelphia, PA
Detroit, MI
Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
Buffalo, NY
Columbus, OH
Des Moines, IA
Hartford, CT

Did your city make the list? If so, then we recommend using some of the heated clothing and household products we carry at CozyWinters. Our battery-heated gloves, jackets, vests, and other apparel will keep you warm when you have to venture out into the elements, while our indoor electric throws, blankets, and heated chair covers can help you save money on home heating bills. We also sell a variety of heated dog beds and water bowls to make the cold season easier on your beloved pets.

There’s a lot to love about winters that allow for outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. But it’s a completely different story when winters are so harsh that comfort and safety are compromised, so take extra precautions against the cold if you live in one of the cities listed above!

Layering Basics for Outdoor Winter Activities

The key to being able to enjoy outdoor activities in winter is dressing appropriately for the weather conditions. The longer you’re able to stay warm and dry, the more fun you’ll have while snowmobiling, ice skating, hiking, or doing whatever else is on the agenda. Once you become cold and wet, misery quickly follows and you’ll just want to pack everything in and call it a day.

So what’s the best way to dress for the elements? Well, since winter weather can be unpredictable, layering is the approach most people prefer. Dressing in layers allows you to be flexible and add or remove clothing as external temperatures and conditions dictate.

But layering involves a little more thought than simply piling on as many shirts, sweaters, and jackets as possible. Here’s how to do it the right way:

Base layer
The purpose of the base layer is to keep you dry, which means you should wear something made from moisture-wicking fabric that will carry sweat away from your skin. The base layer can be snug or loose, depending on personal preference, and can consist of anything from lightweight thermal underwear to long-sleeved tees or turtlenecks.

Middle layer
While the base layer should keep you dry, the middle layer should retain body heat to keep you warm. Merino wool, fleece, and synthetic materials like Thinsulate are ideal for this layer, as is any battery-heated apparel you may have. The middle layer should be loose to allow for unrestricted movement.

Outer layer
The outer layer or shell is your first line of defense against the cold, wind, and rain, and should therefore consist of the best quality product you can afford. Depending on your intended activity, you should choose a shell that is windproof, waterproof, and temperature rated for expected conditions.

Extremities
It’s also important to keep your head, hands, and feet warm and dry during your outdoor activities. Fleece hats and toques can help retain heat and repel wind, while battery-heated glove liners, water-resistant gloves or mittens, and insulated boots will ensure your fingers and toes stay toasty warm.

How to Extend the Life of Lithium Batteries

Just like most of today’s portable electronic products, such as laptops, tablets, MP3 players, and cell phones, the heated apparel available from CozyWinters is now powered by Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. That’s because Li-ion batteries are smaller, more efficient, and provide better overall performance than their Nickel-cadmium (NiCad) predecessors.

But all batteries, even those using Li-ion chemistry, have a finite lifespan and must eventually be replaced. While the actual replacement rate is impossible to predict since it depends on such variables as usage, storage conditions, and discharge cycles, there are a number of specific steps you can take to extend the life of your Lithium-ion power cells:

Fully charge a new Li-ion battery before using it for the first time
Do not make a habit of running Li-ion batteries below a 20% charge
Aim to go through at least one complete discharge cycle — charging the battery to 100% and then letting it drain to zero — for every 30 partial discharge cycles (or approximately once a month)
Prior to putting a Lithium-ion-powered device into long-term storage, charge the battery to 40%
Store Li-ion batteries in a cool, dry place that is impervious to extreme temperatures
Never store a fully-charged Li-ion battery for a lengthy period
Be sure to turn on and run Li-ion batteries at least once every few months to prevent capacity loss

In addition, using high-quality Lithium-ion power cells like the ones available in our WarmGear Battery Heated Clothing will yield a longer lifespan than cheaper, low-quality batteries. And when you couple the Lithium-ion power cells with WarmGear Global Charging Technology, you’ll be able to enjoy fully-charged Lithium-ion batteries no matter where in the world your outdoor adventures take you.

Remember, nothing will make your Li-ion batteries last forever. But following these tips and using WarmGear Lithium-ion power cells from CozyWinters will help extend the longevity of your batteries so you can get the most out of your heated apparel and home electronics.

Pet Travel Tips for the Holidays

If you’re going on a long trip for the holidays, you might be thinking about bringing your dog or cat with you. After all, your pet is a member of the family, and Christmas wouldn’t be the same without your beloved companion by your side.

But traveling with a pet for an extended period of time requires lots of extra planning and preparation on your part. Of foremost concern is the animal’s comfort and safety as it traverses vast distances in the confines of an automobile or airplane — an ordeal that can cause stress, anxiety, and destructive behavior.

To reduce the risk of accident or injury and increase the chances of a successful journey together, try to follow these expert tips for traveling with pets.

By car:

Secure the animal in a portable travel pet crate or safety harness instead of letting it roam freely
Since pets are prone to motion sickness, do not feed your dog or cat for several hours prior to your departure time
Provide plenty of water during the trip
Take frequent exercise/potty breaks to allow your pet to get some fresh air, stretch its legs, and do its business
Never leave cats or dogs alone in the car for lengthy periods, especially in extreme temperatures

By plane:

When possible, transport your pet in the cabin rather than the cargo hold
Only book direct flights to limit overall travel time
Always travel on the same flight as your pet
Label your pet travel crate with your home address and phone number, as well as the contact information for your lodgings in the destination city
Reduce anxiety by placing familiar objects in the crate, such as one of your T-shirts, a favorite toy, or a microwavable heating pet pad
Make sure your pet’s shots are up to date, otherwise the airline might prohibit boarding

Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Animal Lovers

As we head into the homestretch leading up to Christmas, it’s time to finish off your holiday shopping for good. If the remaining friends and relatives on your list are animal lovers or if you want to buy something special for your own beloved pet, then you’re in luck. The staff at CozyWinters.com has done the hard work for you by personally selecting a handful of our most popular pet warming products and putting them all together in this convenient gift guide.

Nuzzle Nest Self-Warming Pet Bed: Ideal for indoor use, this non-electric bed contains special insulation that traps and redistributes your pet’s body heat across the padded surface.
Stainless Steel Heated Dog Bowl: Frozen drinking water will be a thing of the past with our heated dog bowl. Made of easy-to-clean stainless steel and featuring a chew-resistant cord, this product operates on just 25 watts to keep water drinkable despite subzero temps.
Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed: Available in three sizes, this heated pet pad gives dogs a soft and warm place to sleep during the day even when it’s frigid outside. (Nighttime use is only recommended in conjunction with additional shelter such as a doghouse, garage, barn, or basement.)
Thermo-Kitty Cuddle Cushion: Take cat naps to an all-new level of cozy with this Thermo-Kitty Cuddle Cushion! Its three-sided design keeps kitties feeling snug and secure, while its low-wattage heating system provides energy-efficient warmth for hours.
Thermo-Cube Outlet: This nifty gadget acts as a regulator to control temperature-based devices such as pond deicers, heat lamps, heated pet beds, and more. It plugs into any standard 15 amp electrical outlet and turns heating devices on or off according to ambient temperature.

We know how tough it can be to find useful and affordable last-minute holiday gifts, so we’re doing whatever it takes to make things easier for you. Visit CozyWinters.com right now to order these fantastic gifts for animal lovers in time for Christmas.

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