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Everything you need to stay warm in your office this winter
It's that time of year when it too often feels freezing both outside and in. If you work remotely or go into an office that just can't keep a warm and comfortable temperature, focusing on work can be difficult.
Also: Everything you need to work from home
Cold weather prep should extend into our office space as well, since it's where many of us spend at least 40 hours per week. We've rounded up some useful devices and gadgets that can efficiently warm up your workspace this winter season.
A space heater
Perhaps the easiest way to add overall warmth to your office space this winter is through a space heater. And the best space heaters these days do a lot more than just heat a room -- they also come with advanced features like Wi-Fi connection, voice assistant compatibilities, and mobile apps that allow you to control your home's heat from anywhere. Just make sure you follow safety protocols when it comes to space heaters, such as never plugging one into an extension cord or power strip.
The Govee space heater is an excellent smart option, thanks to its compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. It heats up within two seconds and turns off automatically after 24 hours of continuous use. The space heater also features 80-degree oscillation, a soft heat option, and an easy switch off: just tilt it up 45 degrees for three seconds. Plus, the heater's sound measures at a quiet 45 decibels (dB), so it won't disturb you while you work.
A smart thermostat
If you work from home, another way to keep your home office efficiently warm this winter is through a smart thermostat, a device that can actually save you money on your electric bills -- one study showing about $50 per year in savings. By creating automated schedules, the best smart thermostats adjust themselves to your climate schedule and offer voice control with geofencing technology.
This smart thermostat from Google actually learns your habits and adjusts itself accordingly to match your preferred schedule. It has a wide range of compatibility, even with homes that are old with outdated heating and cooling systems.
An app lets you control the thermostat from anywhere in your home, and you can also receive alerts and notifications through it. Look for the Nest Leaf to know when your chosen temperature is energy efficient.
Read the review: Google Nest Learning Thermostat review: Can new tech work in an old house? We've got answers
Desk accessories
Depending on where you work (especially if you go into a shared office), you may not have much control over the temperature of your space. In that case, there are helpful desk gadgets and accessories that you can utilize to beat the cold in creative ways. Here are some of our top picks.
This mouse pad warmer has three heat settings (110-, 130-, and 145-degrees Farenhaight), three timer settings (two, four, and eight hours) plus an auto shut-off, and a five-foot long USB cable to fit any desk configuration. It keeps your hand warm while using your mouse, and even has a built-in padded wrist guard for extra comfort.
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Winter can feel long and sometimes depressing, but having the right tools will make working through this season a breeze. Here are some other cold-weather picks to stay warm in your office.