Despite our tropical climate Florida can experience unpredictable freezing winter temperatures. During the last week in January The National Weather Service reported that temps in Clearwater plummeted to 29 degrees, Tampa dropped to a low of 27 degrees, and Zephyrhills fell to 26 degrees.
During this unpredictable winter season consider these four household hacks, which we’ve summarized from the Farmer’s Almanac, to help get you through cold snaps.
Use Your Ceiling Fan to Help Warm Your Home
Your ceiling fan isn’t just for cooling off, you can use it to warm up, too. Just flip the fan’s switch so that it rotates in the opposite direction, and then set it to the lowest speed. Doing this will circulate warmer air from the ceiling.
Draw the Drapes for Heat
Not literally. Although you won’t be sketching your curtains you will be drawing upon the heat of the sun. On chilly, but sunny, days open your drapes and allow sunshine to naturally heat your home. Remember to close them at sunset to keep the heat inside.
Use a Potato to Keep Frost Off of Your Windshield
This trick from the Farmer’s Almanac calls for using the sugars of a potato to keep your car’s windshield from frosting over.
According to the guide, before freezing temperatures hit, slice a potato in half and rub the exposed ends over the windshield and rear window of your vehicle (all windows if you so choose)–being sure to completely coat all surfaces.
Sugars from the potato will create a barrier over the windshield, and other windows, and prevent ice from forming—keeping you from the inconvenience of having to scrape. Be sure to use your wipers to rinse and clean the windshield and rear window before you drive.
When it comes to your side view mirrors simply cover them with plastic bags to keep them free of frost.
Use Hand Sanitizer to Loosen Frozen Car Door Keyholes
Keyholes for manual car keys can freeze in cold temperatures. To loosen-up the locks just pour hand sanitizer, or rubbing alcohol, over them. Alcohol can lower the freezing point of water and melt the ice inside of the lock.
