Austria's Cozy Home Secrets: Keeping Warm In Style

Austria is known for its mountains, snow and the Sound of Music, but it can also get very hot in the summer. So how do houses keep warm in the winter? Austrians use heating, and electric blankets are available but are not very common.

Electric blankets

There are a few things to consider when using an electric blanket. Firstly, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use. Electric blankets should not be used with a damaged cord, and they should not be left on for extended periods of time. It is also important to avoid folding an electric blanket, as this can damage the heating elements.

In summary, while electric blankets are not commonly used in Austria, they can be a useful way to keep warm in addition to central heating. It is important to use them safely and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Electric blankets may be particularly useful for those looking to save on heating costs or for those who struggle to keep warm.

Central heating

Fossil fuels are the predominant source of energy for heating in Austria, with natural gas, oil and coal used in nearly half of dwellings. However, renewables are gaining in importance, with biomass, solar and heat pump systems covering about 23% of the heating demand.

One of the leading manufacturers of boilers for renewable energies in Europe is Windhager, a company based in Salzburg that has been manufacturing boilers for over 100 years. Windhager central heating systems are known for their high energy efficiency and innovative technology, and can be used in a range of properties from single-family homes to apartment buildings and commercial properties.

Duvets

When choosing a duvet, it is important to consider the fill power. The fill power is the amount of space that the down or feathers take up. A higher fill power means that the duvet will be warmer and more insulating. It is also important to consider the size of the duvet. Duvets come in different sizes, so you can choose one that fits your bed or your body.

Another thing to consider when choosing a duvet is the cover. The cover is the fabric that goes over the duvet. It is important to choose a cover that is soft and comfortable. You should also choose a cover that is easy to clean, as duvets can get dirty over time.

Finally, you should consider the price of the duvet. Duvets can range in price from inexpensive to very expensive. It is important to find a duvet that fits your budget and your needs.

Dealing with the heat in summer

While many people associate Austria with mountains, snow and *The Sound of Music*, it can get very hot in the summer. Here are some tips for dealing with the heat:

• Drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol or caffeine) to stay hydrated. Signs of dehydration include thirstiness, dark and strong-smelling urine.
• Protect the elderly, babies and small children from the heat as their bodies are less able to regulate their temperature.
• Keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours and offer to help with shopping or other tasks.
• Take a leaf out of the southern Europeans' book: get up early, get your jobs done before it gets too hot, take a siesta in the afternoon and eat late in the evening.
• Keep your body cool with damp towels, foot baths and cold showers.
• Stay out of the sun and hide from the heat in a cool place.

Keeping vulnerable people safe in the heat

Although many people associate Austria with mountains, snow and *The Sound of Music*, it can get very hot in the summer. The highest temperature ever recorded in the country was 40.5°C in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg in 2013.

During heatwaves, it is important to keep vulnerable people safe. The elderly (75+), babies and very small children are especially at risk because their bodies are not able to regulate temperature as well as others. Keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours, perhaps offering to do a supermarket shop for them.

The main ways to deal with the risks caused by a heatwave are to regularly drink fluids (not alcohol or caffeine), hide from the heat in a cool place out of the sun, and keep your body cool with damp towels, foot baths, cold showers, etc. Take a leaf out of the southern Europeans' book: get up very early; get your jobs done (supermarket shopping, preparing a light lunch) before it gets too hot; take a siesta in the afternoon; eat late in the evening.

In the winter, Austrians keep warm with heating in their houses and great duvets. Electric blankets are not very common.

Frequently asked questions