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.
Best splurge
Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ Fan Heater – Best space heater splurge
This Dyson device functions as a fan, heater, and HEPA purifier that captures up to 99.97% of particles. The heater uses thermostatic control to bring your home office to the perfect temperature. Through the Dyson Link app, you can see real-time reports on indoor and outdoor air quality, temperature, humidity, and filter life. Plus, you can remotely control the heater and create schedules that match your work routine.
Best desktop
Coolfor Space Heater – Best desktop space heater
If you need something smaller to just live on top of your desk, this compact space heater does the job. It has overheat protection and will turn off automatically if it tips over or gets too hot. It has a smaller heat output of 600 watts, but since it’s meant to be on your desk, that will keep you plenty warm in the frigid parts of the year. It’s also equally as quiet as the Govee space heater, at just 45 dB.
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
Best budget
Amazon Smart Thermostat – Best budget smart thermostat
Amazon’s Smart Thermostat might skip on the touchscreen, but that doesn’t mean it lacks performance. Plus, at $80, it’s a great budget-friendly option to add automation to your heating and cooling system. The thermostat’s built-in intelligence can also detect when someone is in the house and automatically adjust the temperature as needed.
Best sensors
Ecobee 3 Lite Thermostat – Best sensors in a smart thermostat
The Ecobee 3 Lite can manage your A/C and heating smarter with its SmartSensor technology. It works to manage hot or cold spots and deliver enhanced comfort to the rooms that matter most. The thermostat’s sensors can also tell when a window or door is open and will temporarily pause your heating or cooling.
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.
Best heated foot rest
EverRest Heated Under Desk Foot Rest
If you’re someone with cold feet, this heated foot rest keeps your toes warm under your desk, while also elevating your feet to reduce pressure on your legs and promote blood circulation while sitting and working for long hours. It has two adjustable angles (0 and 15 degrees), two heating levels, and three timer settings to keep your feet warm for hours while you work at your desk.
Best heated desk pad
Heated Desk Pad
For those who want to go the extra mile, this heated desk pad can keep a large area of your desk warm and toasty. This pad is big enough to fit your mouse, keyboard, and other desk items while protecting your desk with its protective waterproof design. Plus, it comes in lots of colors and designs to match your office’s aesthetic.
Best mug warmer
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
There’s nothing like hot coffee or tea when you’re cold, but if your office is cold, your drink can get cold quick, too. The Ember mug keeps hot drinks at the perfect temperature for hours at a time — intelligently sensing when to turn on when it senses movement or liquid and off when the mug becomes empty.
You might also need…
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.
