The Winter (겨울, gyeoul) in Korea arrives with a biting wind that can be quite challenging. Especially for those trying to stay warm, constantly running the boiler often leads to an unexpected "heating bill bomb." To help international residents solve this financial burden, we introduce the two most efficient winter items loved by Koreans for generations: the Heating Tent and the Hot Water Mat.
[Quick Summary: Solving Your Winter Heating Worries!]
If you are worried about soaring gas bills during the Cold Korean winter, keep these two solutions in mind:
Block Drafts with a Heating Tent: It blocks indoor cold air, instantly raising the perceived temperature and maximizing Heating (난방, nanbang) efficiency.
Stay Warm with a Hot Water Mat: Maintain body heat during sleep without worrying about electromagnetic waves, allowing you to minimize boiler usage. Using these two items together will keep you cozy while avoiding a massive heating bill.
What are the most effective items for saving on heating bills in Korea?
The most effective way to improve Heating (난방, nanbang) efficiency and save on costs in Korea is the combination of a heating tent and a hot water mat. Korean housing primarily uses the 'Ondol' (underfloor heating) system, but if the air itself is Cold (추운, chuun), the boiler alone has its limits. In this case, a heating tent prevents warmth from escaping, and a hot water mat drastically reduces boiler run time, making it highly economical.
How does a Heating Tent maintain the temperature indoors?
Heating Tent (난방 텐트, nanbang tenteu) works by blocking cold drafts from the outside and trapping the occupant's body heat and warmth inside. Whether installed on a bed or the floor, the temperature inside the tent stays about 3°C to 5°C higher than the outside air. It is particularly effective in older villas or rooms with large windows where drafts are common, helping you save on Heating (난방, nanbang) energy.
What is the difference between a Hot Water Mat and an Electric Mat?
A Hot Water (온수, onsu) mat transfers heat by circulating warm water through hoses inside the mat, whereas an electric mat uses electric heating wires directly. Hot Water (온수, onsu) mats carry a lower risk of electromagnetic exposure compared to electric mats and provide a much more comfortable sleep environment by maintaining a gentle, lasting warmth. Although the initial cost is slightly higher, they are preferred by Korean households for their safety and health benefits during Winter (겨울, gyeoul).
Quick Korean Dictionary
난방 (nanbang): Heating
온수 (onsu): Hot water
추운 (chu-un): Cold
겨울 (gyeoul): Winter
Preparing for a Warm and Economic Korean Winter with Enkostay
Being smart with the right items is often better than simply cranking up the Boiler (보일러, boilleo) temperature. We hope the tips provided by Enkostay help you stay cozy and snug throughout this Winter (겨울, gyeoul). 🏠