As electricity prices rise and energy efficiency becomes an increasingly present concern in everyday life, simple and ingenious solutions from the past are beginning to regain prominence. In cold times, the search for effective ways to heat the home in an economical way has led many people to look at traditional ideas that remain surprisingly current.
One of these ideas comes from Japan and is called kotatsu, a home heating system that is as simple as it is effective, which warms the body without needing to heat the entire house. This centuries-old invention combines tradition, comfort and energy efficiency, and is beginning to gain attention outside its country of origin, namely in Europe, according to the Meteored Portugal portal.
The secret is under the table
At first glance, the kotatsu looks like just an ordinary low table. However, its structure hides an ingenious system: underneath the top there is an electric heater, and over the structure a thick blanket is placed that covers all sides.
When people sit around it, they place their legs under the blanket, and the heat generated is concentrated in this small space, creating a small “bubble” of thermal comfort.
This localized heating concept allows you to enjoy immediate heat without the need to heat all the air in the room, drastically reducing energy consumption.
A Japanese tradition with centuries of history
The origin of kotatsu dates back centuries. Before electricity, Japanese families used the irori, a small charcoal stove built into the floor around which they gathered to cook and warm themselves. Over time, the idea evolved into a safer and more practical electric version, adapted to the needs of modern life.
Today, kotatsu is still present in many Japanese homes and is much more than a simple system that allows you to heat the house: it represents comfort, coexistence and family tradition during the cold months.
Smart and efficient heating
The kotatsu’s greatest asset is its energy efficiency. While conventional heaters try to raise the temperature of an entire space, which requires large amounts of energy, kotatsu only heats the area actually used by people.
This principle is particularly effective in houses with poor thermal insulation, as is often the case in Japan and also in Portugal. In addition to reducing consumption, it promotes a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle, by concentrating heating only where it is needed, according to the same source.
More than heat: a meeting point
Kotatsu also has cultural and social value. In Japan, it is common to see entire families gathered around this heated table to eat, talk or watch television. This habit creates a welcoming environment and reinforces family ties, transforming winter into a time of sharing and closeness.
Furthermore, most modern models consume between 200 and 500 watts, a value much lower than that of a traditional heater, which can easily exceed 2000 watts.
Thus, kotatsu becomes an economical and ecological option, suitable for those who spend a lot of time sitting working, studying or relaxing, according to the previously mentioned source.
How to use and what care to take
Assembling a kotatsu is simple. There are ready-to-use models, but it is also possible to adapt a common table, simply installing a small electric heater and covering it with a thick blanket.
However, it is important to take some safety precautions: avoid direct contact of the fabric with the electrical resistance, choose devices with automatic shutdown and overheating protection, and never leave the kotatsu switched on unattended.
A Japanese idea with potential in Portugal
With rising energy costs and the need for more sustainable solutions, kotatsu is beginning to arouse interest outside of Japan. In countries like Portugal, where winters can be cold and wet and thermal insulation of houses is not always effective, this simple idea can be an interesting and economical alternative.
More than a heated table, kotatsu represents a philosophy of sustainable comfort. It shows that it is possible to use energy intelligently, only where it is really needed, and transforms the cold into an opportunity to create spaces for conviviality and well-being, according to .
At a time when we are all looking for ways to live better while spending less, this Japanese concept can be valuable inspiration and a reminder that sometimes the most effective solutions are also the simplest.
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