Things that worked or didn't work last winter

Rummer

Getting the cavity walls filled with insulation made a huge difference to the heat levels in the house. Placing a hot water bottle at the bottom of the bed so that I never had cold toes when I got into bed really helped too

I also bought a fabulous pair of knee length yard boots that kept my feet snuggly warm and I didn't slip in them once. They are so warm I don't even need thick socks when wearing them

Fruball

I made my own radiator panels last winter. Just a large piece of cardboard (cut up box), stapled bubble wrap to it then covered that with tinfoil - works perfectly and definately made a difference. I have only done it on outside walls but may do the inside walls this year too.

One thing that worked (and is still working) is the gap around the washing machine waste pipe through the outside wall that I packed with papier mache made from torn up newspaper mashed to a pulp with the kids PVA glue Its brilliant and stopped the drafts that billowed through the hole last year, and is still perfectly fine.

My feet are freezing tonight - really glad I have my old sheepskin slippers... I nearly threw them out as they have seen better days but am so glad I didn't!!!

Minihauk

Probably a stupid question, but would space blankets work behind radiators if they were fixed to cardboard? They are ultra cheap - 2 for 99p in the cheap shops. They are insulated and would reflect the heat, wouldn't they?

Barneysmom

Minihauk wrote: »

Probably a stupid question, but would space blankets work behind radiators if they were fixed to cardboard? They are ultra cheap - 2 for 99p in the cheap shops. They are insulated and would reflect the heat, wouldn't they?

What a brilliant idea! :T


I have 2 new ones somewhere, my SIL sent them up to me for when we go on mountains again (that won't be for a long time yet), I haven't got a clue where they are so I'll try and find them on the weekend when I get back to my clear out.

clare64

Last year I bought the electric clothes airer from Lakeland and found that it did not work for me. It barely heated up so they sent me another one which was the same. As Lakeland have such fantastic customer service they collected them both and gave me a refund.
We bought 2 more non electric clothes airers and they have been brilliant - the clothes dried just as quickly and no electricity used:j

oldtractor

This is a very valuable thread. hot water bottles work for me.

flump345

Hi guys, Have been watching this thread closely trying to get some tips for reducing the heating bills this winter.

Can I ask a silly question??? Is it actual Cling film people put on the windows? I have notice a draught in my childrens room and would love too make it a bit warmer for them!

Also, going to go on the hunt for some hot water bottles later!
Thanks:D

adelight

flump345 wrote: »

Hi guys, Have been watching this thread closely trying to get some tips for reducing the heating bills this winter.

Can I ask a silly question??? Is it actual Cling film people put on the windows? I have notice a draught in my childrens room and would love too make it a bit warmer for them!

Also, going to go on the hunt for some hot water bottles later!
Thanks:D

Yes, usually on single glazing. Also, is there any sort of in dent in the window where you could fit a tension rod? http://www.dunelm-mill.com/shop/tension-rod-50209 and then turn a cheap fleece blanket (pound shop/asda) into a curtain by sewing or safety pinning a tube at one end to thread the pole through. This will work wonders if you have single glazing and cost about five pounds. In summer you can use the poles for net curtain to keep flies out.

adelight

adelight wrote: »

Yes, usually on single glazing. Also, is there any sort of in dent in the window where you could fit a tension rod? http://www.dunelm-mill.com/shop/tension-rod-50209 and then turn a cheap fleece blanket (pound shop/asda) into a curtain by sewing or safety pinning a tube at one end to thread the pole through. This will work wonders if you have single glazing and cost about five pounds. In summer you can use the poles for net curtain to keep flies out.

oh, and something that doesn't work is trying to attach space blankets to your uninsulated loft room ceiling :rotfl: too much effort and your guests will think you're mental, use the money to buy cheap blankets and vests.

oldtractor

Tension rods are good but bamboo cane from the garden centre is even better. Costs about 40p each.