trying to stay warm

melaniec_2

Hi

Has anyone got any advice on how to stay warm in the day without turning the heating on. We only have electric radiator in two rooms and the other half of the flat has two portable electric oil filled radiators. Our elecrticity seems to be high compared to others.

I work from home and really feel the cold in general, so I usually wear 2 or 3 layers, and I'm still freezing. I have got out my hot water bottle but what other tips can you guys come up with?

Thanks

alwaysonthego_2

Have a duvet day and wrap it around you as you work, thick socks and a flask of soup

Anarchist

Not really convenient though is it!

I'd be interested in the answers to this as well, we've just moved into a static caravan and we're freezing! We have this stupid panel heating that runs on a timer and shuts itself off after four hours, plus an oil filled radiator, a fan heater (that we use sparingly when we need to warm a room up quickly) and a gas fire. And an electric blanket.

I'm really used to being warm when I sleep/work, but I keep waking up all the time in the middle of the night because I'm freezing. I'm now flat out with a horrendous cold and not looking forward to another sleepless cold night.

melaniec_2

I can help on keeping warm at night, i have a hot water bottle cover in the shape of a dog, i think it came from Boots a few years ago. its really well insulated so its not HOT on your skin but stays warm all night and I find i wake up cuddling it. Also bed socks and warm pjs.

You could also buy a timmer switch to plug your radiator into if it doesn't have a timer, you could have it coming on in the night for an hour or so and then off again untill morning

Also i have a thermal vest from primark, old fashioned i know but they work. The short sleeved one was about £4 and they do a long sleeve one, lets face it if you're wearing as many layers as I am no ones going to see it!

cariad

how about a sleeping bag? - you'll be able to get some high tog ones in the camping shops in the sale at this time of year.
Just sit in it- at least it will keep your bottom half nice & warm & then a high tog fleece for your top half. Don't forget the hat as this helps to keep your body temperature warm.
Also have you ensured that your windows and doors are all insulated? Thick curtains are great for this and if you're lucky you can pick them up cheaply in the free ads or charity shops.
Good luck

beanieandme

Hot water bottle, double everything, lol. Hug someone, or go to the mall for the day? lol x Keep warm!

Kitty_Kitty_2

melaniec - my partner and I have just brought a static caravan which has been placed on his parents land as a cheaper option for our first property (I am 20 and he is 28). when purchasing it we were advised to buy round low wattage tubes to put under the seats in the lounge. as they are low wattage they dont cost much to run, and takes the chill off the place so when you want it warmer, it is cheaper and quicker. apparently this also helps with possible damp etc.

our gas fire is on the blink so have an small oil filled radiator which although takes a little while to heat up, stays warm for longer once turned off.

another long term option, put skirting around the edge of the caravan, this stops the wind from blowing underneath and keeps the floor warmer (all statics are only single skinned unless you have modified the floor - we are adding insultation and another timber floor so the flooring becomes double skinned).

another option is if you have vinyl, wooden floors - add carpets / rugs to keep the warmth in.

final thing to help, if you dont have thick curtains over your door(s) I would recommend that, the doors are so drafty.

hope some of that might help you.

Kitty

Kinnairdy

You can also put sheets of tin foil down behind radiator/panel heaters to throw the heat back into the room, stick it to cardboard for a firmer backing.
Buy a low wattage heat bulb, the kind used to supply warmth to chickens/orphan lambs etc, from agricultural feed/sundries suppliers.
Cover inside windows and draughty areas with bubble wrap attach with duct tape.
As above hang heavy curtains/blankets over doorways. Charity shops are great places to find these.
Light several large candles in a group to keep the chill factor down, be careful where you place them though, in a fireplace or inside a metal dish/bucket with flat bottom for safety.
In a Static, cover all the floor and wall vents with duct tape to keep out draughts BUT not if using Gas Heating for obvious reasons.
Lived in a residential caravan for 10 years, all the above tried and tested personally.
Hope this helps. :-)
PS: Take extra Vitamin C over the next week for your cold, at least 1000mg per day to help your immune system fight the virus. Only for a week though no longer.

cattie

As the majority of our body heat is lost through our heads the best way to retain heat is to wear a hat.

I have a warm hooded zip up cardigan that I wear indoors during the winter & it really does make a difference having your head covered. When it turns extra cold I also wrap a scarf around my neck.

Also plenty of hot drinks will help you feel warmer instantly.

irnbru_2

melaniec wrote:

I work from home and really feel the cold in general

If you are self-employed, you can reclaim some of your heating costs as a tax allowance.

auntymabel

I couldn`t manage without mu electric overblanket which can be left on all night. Not all can be left on - you need to check the specifications. Also, if you get an extra duvet to sleep on top of this will be warmer.