Originally Posted By TALL Disney Guy I don't wanna go through what I did last winter, so I thought maybe some older (albeit ONLY VERY *SLIGHTLY* OLDER!!) and wiser souls may enlighten me. I am a cold-natured guy. My dream is to live in FL where there's SO much heat and humidity and I would hardly ever run my air, but alas, I am stuck (for now) in good ol' unpredictable Kentucky. And it can get C-O-L-D *COLD* in these here parts! LOVE the snow 'n ice, but DON'T like the barren COLD. So last year my heating bills were ridiculously higher than my cooling bills---I keep it on average around 78 in the summer, so it's nice 'n inexpensive, but in winter, when I would like the heat to be around that same temp, I can't afford to run it that high. And last year when I tried to conserve I was always shiverin' around here and havin' to wear long pajamas and socks just to lounge around, etc. (I don't like to lounge in much). So if there's a way where I could be reasonably warm in my little hovel for the next half-year without havin' to pay sky-high for heat, and without havin' to layer myself in jammies and socks (my feet and hands get cold easily) I'm open to suggestions. Here's some criteria: ---Space heaters are out. I already asked our apartment manager (grrrr) ---I *could* sleep in my bedroom (what a concept, lol) or, I'm game to sleep in the living room on the sofa-bed if I could stay warmer in there ---Bedroom is big with 1 vent, 2 windows on opposing walls (alas, they just don't get along) ---Living room is big with *2* vents, but big sliding glass door, and front door ---I live on the first floor so the heat doesn't come "up" from anywhere (and the vents are near the ceiling) ---This may sound silly, but I thought about maybe hangin'/tapin' sheets up to "section off" parts of the bedroom or living room so that the heat stays in a more concentrated area (maybe "section off" the hallway from the living room with sheets under the vents if I basically live in there) I've thought about shreddin' up some towels and tapin' 'em inside the perameter of the windows and maybe the sliding glass doors, and/or maybe tryin' to hang a big comforter in front of the sliding doors---and there's a "sliver" in the front door that air seeps in through (kinda like window edges), so I figured I'll block that with some cloth or duct tape as well (somethin' easy enough to move of course for when I need to exit the premises, say, for, like, work 'n stuff) I'm includin' pictures here of the aforementioned sample areas for any visual-type home efficiency people whom may like a clearer picture of what I'm tryin' to describe: <a href="http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=bcgjgyi.6hsvmo76&Uy=-khc0ik&Ux=0" target="_blank">http://www.kodakgallery.com/Sl ideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=bcgjgyi.6hsvmo76&Uy=-khc0ik&Ux=0</a> Thanks for any advice, y'all...and remember, the slogan this winter is "Let's Keep TDG Warm!" (until the Winter Bash takes over and my well-being is forgotten---but I'm not one to stand in the way of fun)
Originally Posted By TALL Disney Guy Oh yeah, also, how do multiple vents work? I mean, is it better to keep 'em all open, or close ones you can do without to see if that puts more heat out the ones you leave open? (i.e., close the ones in bathroom, utility room, kitchen, leave just bedroom/living room ones open...or close bedroom if I "live" in my living room with the sofa bed) It's only gotten down to upper 50s at night and I'm *already* havin' to wear long thick jammies---I haven't turned the heat on *yet* (to save $), but I *have* turned the air totally off. If I don't, I notice the chill...and the 20s and teens'll be here 'fore I know it! *gulp*
Originally Posted By patrickegan How old is the apartment complex? Maybe it’s time the owners insulate and install dual pain windows. Some energy companies offer incentives for property owners who want to get more energy efficient. Besides that get some of those electric socks at the hunting store or a hot water bottle. -P
Originally Posted By TDLFAN TDG, get yourself a real live body to snuggle with and throw out the inflatable doll.
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ using the saran wrap type seal (you cover the windows and then use a blow dryer to seal really made the difference in my older apartment, and hanging heavier drapes (aka blankets. Just make sure the curtain rods can support the weight. Other than that, I agree with tdl!! Hee hee!
Originally Posted By RangerPooh Do you have blinds with no curtains? If so look for thick curtains to close at night to help keep the heat in. Also when you cook witht he oven leave it open after you're done using it. Even after you tuen it off there's still heat in it so why not use it?
Originally Posted By smedley Can you get thermal curtain linings out there? Not only do they keep the light out, they help keep the warm in during the winter, again you'd need to make sure your curtain rods are strong enough to take the weight of them on your curtains, but it's certainly worth considering. Also you mention drafts along the bottom of the doors, we can get draft excluders here, which basically tape to the bottom of the door and then hang to the floor, stopping the drafts getting through, it's that or one of your cuddly toys has to take to living on the floor I'm afraid (think one of those large snakes you can get, they make great draft excluders laid up against the bottom of your doors).
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I'm from Minnesota, and I know cold. 1) The suggestion on the window insulating kits that use a blow dryer to "shrink wrap" the windows was a good one. It is especially good on sliding patio doors which tend to let huge amounts of cold air in. 2) Your front door is really bad. Ask the landlord to install some weather striping. If they won't do it, go to a Home Depot or someplace and ask them what you could use to temporarily weather-strip a door. 3) Get a "setback" thermostat. You can program these to keep your house warm when you are there and awake, and keep it cooler during the day when you are at work and in the middle of the night when you are asleep. 4) Blankies (go great with Jammies). Use blankets or throws to cover yourself (especially legs and feet) with when you are sitting watching TV or whatever. They are very comfortable and not nearly as bulky as wearing heavy clothing. 5) Closing vents you don't need will tend to direct more heat to the places you want it -- that is a good idea. 6) <<TDG, get yourself a real live body to snuggle with >> Although live bodies do have certain rewards that are quite enjoyable, don't kid yourself. For what you would spend on them you can keep your thermostat at 80 degrees all winter long and still be money ahead. Good luck.
Originally Posted By SuperDry Have you considered an electric blanket (er, now called "automatic blanket") for when you're sleeping? Whether in bed or on the sofa, this would allow you to turn back the thermostat at night without getting cold.
Originally Posted By goodgirl My knowledge / experience with space heaters: 1. Space heaters can be a fire hazard. If you go this route, make sure you get one that turns itself off after a period of time and, if it tips over, has an automatic shut off feature. 2. Never plug a space heater into a power strip. Always plug it directly into a wall outlet. 3. Some space heaters pull power unevenly. This can be a hazard to other electronics that are plugged into the same circuit.
Originally Posted By goodgirl Several years ago, I lived in a very old farmhouse that was heated with two wood stoves (and a space heater in the bathroom). Here's my tips: TDG, check with the electric company who provides service. They may have a web site or you may need to call them. They will have all sorts of weatherizing tips for you that can help. Drafts from windows and doors are usually the worst culprit. Taking care of these should help significantly. I would advise against closing off vents if it is an older building. You want air circulation. This keeps things dry and moves icky stuff like mold spores so they don't have a chance to "settle in and build a family" somewhere. Use flannel sheets in the winter. Get an electric blanket. Don't go barefoot; wear warm, fluffy socks around the house. Keep a blanket on the couch when you are watching TV.
Originally Posted By Ursula Aha. The one I have at work shuts itself off if you barely tip it, if you pick it up, or if it thinks something is blocking the output, say, my legs under the desk where I keep it. I thought maybe all were this way. Regardless, if the landlord said no, nothing will change his or her mind. I like the automatic blanket idea.
Originally Posted By MissCandice Thanks TDG, for this topic. It's starting to get a bit nippy in Washington now, at night and I was wondering if there was anything I could do to keep my heating costs down too. Plus, the heaters in my apartment are these big metal things on the bottom of the walls. They are like 4 feet long and scare me. They are a fire hazard, in my opinion. I live in an older apartment building. I think I will look into those window sealers. My problem is that I can't wear socks in bed because I can't sleep with them on.
Originally Posted By debtee <6) <<TDG, get yourself a real live body to snuggle with >> Although live bodies do have certain rewards that are quite enjoyable, don't kid yourself. For what you would spend on them you can keep your thermostat at 80 degrees all winter long and still be money ahead.> LOL. very funny and very TRUE! I think some of the ideas above are great and I second the idea of a Blankie or throw rugs! I have them on all my chairs and lounges through-out my house in winter as it's fun to snuggle up under them! I into the hand made country look so mine look like that but there are plenty of lovely Disney throw rugs out there, I've seen them on Disneydirect.com! Other then that I'm pretty useless as our Winters are quite mild here in Sydney in comparison to you! LOL Sending you warm hugs TDG!
Originally Posted By TomSawyer Curtains are a huge help - heavy curtains, or even used comforters that you can put up. If you put your hand near the window and feel cold - even if there is direct sunlight - close the curtains or hang the comforter. We hung heavy curtains in our picture window and the difference in keeping the house warm in winter and cool in the summer is amazing. There are portable oil-filled radiators that give of steady warmth but that are no hotter to the touch than a heating pad on high. They are considerably safer than space heaters, and since they aren't specifically space heaters they might be a way around the prohibition. I think Home Depot has them, but Lowes has them. <a href="http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=35277-000000803-2507L&lpage=none" target="_blank">http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn ?action=productDetail&productId=35277-000000803-2507L&lpage=none</a> <a href="http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=249077-33454-MG15T&lpage=none" target="_blank">http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn ?action=productDetail&productId=249077-33454-MG15T&lpage=none</a>
Originally Posted By trailsend You know what? I have no advice to give, but in reading this thread, I am always amazed at how quickly everyone on LP responds to a question like this with genuine concern and helpful ideas. Yes, WE can be mean and cruel. But, goodness, when you read something like this, all faith is restored in the closeness of the community of LP. ºOº
Originally Posted By EdisYoda I used most of these solutions when I lived in Massachusetts. Definatley get the plastic wrap for the windows. You wouldn't think it would work, but it does. Also for the sliding doors, heavy curtains or comforter as has been suggested... and yes make sure the rods will support it... take this from experience. Candice... don't worry about the baseboard heat. Used all over the country in cold areas. As long as they're maintained they should cause no problems.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan TDG, your winter chill problems are over! <a href="http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?page=proframe&prod_id=726318" target="_blank">http://www.overstock.com/cgi-b in/d2.cgi?page=proframe&prod_id=726318</a>
