Environmental Scientists Redefine Home Comfort with the 2nd Annual "America's Coziest Cities" Ranking

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass., Jan. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- While to some the definition of coziness might mean curling up fireside at a bed and breakfast, to others it could mean quaint streets and access to coffee shops. As temperatures plummet, many Americans will be looking for ways to stay comfortable and warm this winter, but not all U.S. cities were created equal when it comes to their cozy factor. The makers of Honeywell portable heaters and scientists at environmental consulting company Environmental Health & Engineering have identified America's coziest cities—and Maine has unseated Massachusetts for the #1 coziest spot.

"Last year, Boston took the first spot on the list but this year, was knocked out by Portland, Maine. This year, we've re-evaluated the definition of coziness and have widened our criteria and search," said Dr. Ted Myatt, ScD, Environmental Health & Engineering. "While we again looked at factors like the number of restaurants and coffee shops, which contribute to ambiance, we also looked at other elements that make a city more accessible and comfortable, such as number of museums, florists, breweries, and bed-and-breakfast hotels."

Based on the criteria and expert ranking, below is a list of the top 10 coziest U.S. cities:

1. Portland, Maine
2. Santa Barbara, Calif.
3. Asheville, N.C.
4. Boston, Mass.
5. Santa Rosa, Calif.
6. Providence, R.I.
7. Charleston, S.C.
8. Madison, Wis.
9. Durham, N.C.
10. Portland, Ore.

The makers of Honeywell infrared heaters found that 97 percent of Americans have deemed their homes "cozy" due to comfortable furniture, inviting décor, warm colors and comfortable temperature.¹  Anyone can create their own warm, cozy space with a 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 on keeping your home cozy or for more information on Honeywell heaters, visit http://www.honeywellheatsavings.com/personal-heaters/top-10-coziest-cities/.

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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.  The branded product portfolio includes PUR Water Filtration products, Vicks Thermometers and Humidifiers, Honeywell Humidifiers, Heaters, Fans and Air Cleaners, Braun Thermometers, SoftHeat Heating Pads, SmartTemp Hot/Cold Packs, Febreze air purifiers and more. Kaz USA, Inc. is a subsidiary of Helen of Troy Limited. For more information about Kaz, please visit www.kaz.com.

About Helen of Troy Limited

Helen of Troy Limited (NASDAQ, NM: HELE) is a leading global consumer products company offering creative solutions for its customers through a strong portfolio of well-recognized and widely-trusted brands, including: Housewares: OXO, Good Grips, Soft Works, OXO tot and OXO Steel; Healthcare/Home Environment: Vicks, Braun, Honeywell, PUR, Febreze, Stinger, Duracraft and SoftHeat; and Personal Care: Revlon, Vidal Sassoon, Dr. Scholl's, Pro Beauty Tools, Sure, Pert, Infusium23, Brut, Ammens, Hot Tools, Bed Head, Karina, Ogilvie and Gold 'N Hot. The Nutritional Supplements segment was formed with the recent acquisition of Healthy Directions, a U.S. market leader in premium doctor-branded vitamins, minerals and supplements, as well as other health products sold directly to consumers. The Honeywell trademark is used under license from Honeywell International Inc. The Vicks, Braun, Febreze and Vidal Sassoon trademarks are used under license from The Procter & Gamble Company. The Revlon trademark is used under license from Revlon Consumer Products Corporation. The Bed Head trademark is used under license from Unilever PLC. The Dr. Scholl's trademark is used under license from MSD Consumer Care, Inc. For more information about Helen of Troy Limited, please visit www.hotus.com.

¹ National omnibus survey conducted by the makers of Honeywell heaters and Lindberg International, July 2013.

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