The Formula for Comfort: In Search of America's Coziest Cities

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass., Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As temperatures plummet, many Americans will be retreating indoors to stay warm and hunker down, but some U.S. cities may have a natural advantage over others.  This theory was the foundation of new research, commissioned by the makers of Honeywell Infrared Heaters, in partnership with a team of scientists at environmental consulting company Environmental Health & Engineering.

So where is the coziest place to live?  "Defining coziness is a relatively abstract task, but we were up for the challenge.  We believe coziness is defined by a city's overall comfort, ambiance and accessibility," said Dr. Ted Myatt, ScD, Environmental Health & Engineering. "We synthesized a variety of city data across major metropolitan areas in the United States to calculate an overall 'coziness' score.  We looked at criteria ranging from fireplace and portable heaters usage, access to parks, and overall walkability to restaurants and coffee shops per capita, stressful lifestyle scores and historical ambiance."

Based on this profile, below is a list of the top ten coziest U.S. cities:

1. Boston/Cambridge, Mass.
2. San Francisco, Calif.
3. Santa Fe, N.M.
4. Washington, D.C.
5. Portland, Ore.
6. Seattle, Wash.
7. Baltimore, Md.
8. Providence, R.I.
9. New Orleans, La.
10. Savannah, Ga.

Another recent survey of Americans from the makers of Honeywell Infrared Heaters found that 97 percent of respondents deemed their homes "cozy" due to comfortable furniture, inviting decor, warm colors and comfortable temperature. 

So as temperatures dip this winter, anyone can create their own warm, cozy space with a new Honeywell EnergySmart® Infrared Heater, which features whole-room energy efficient heating. These elegantly designed portable heaters utilize infrared heating technology to provide a heat output of 5,200 BTUs without burning oxygen or humidity, which can cause rooms to feel dry.  Long lasting, premium quartz heating elements begin working instantly, providing a soft glow and warmth that users can immediately see and feel.

For tips to keep your home its coziest this fall and winter -- wherever you live  -- visit Facebook.com/HoneywellPluggedIn. For more information on Honeywell heaters, visit www.HoneywellHeatSavings.com.

About EH&E

EH&E (www.eheinc.com) has provided an extensive range of environmental and engineering consulting services for over 20 years. The EH&E team consists of more than 60 experts with an outstanding record of providing solutions for issues that affect the environment. EH&E has a depth of knowledge and credibility unmatched in the industry. 

About Kaz

A world leader in high quality healthcare and home environment products, Kaz is a state of the art, dynamically-managed, global leader in healthcare devices, home comfort and water filtration products that operates in over 65 countries on six continents with a brand portfolio that includes PUR, Vicks, Honeywell, Braun, SoftHeat, SmartTemp, and more.  Kaz is a global marketer of humidifiers, air purifiers, heaters and fans under the Honeywell brand.  The Honeywell trademark is used by Kaz USA, Inc. under license from Honeywell International Inc. Kaz USA, Inc is a wholly owned subsidiary of Helen of Troy Limited (NASDAQ: HELE).  For more information about Helen of Troy Limited, please visit www.hotus.com. For information on other quality products for home health, home comfort, water filtration and insect control visit www.kaz.com.

SOURCE Kaz