Preparing for winter III

darkrev

unixgirluk wrote: »

If anyone is still looking for fleeces, B&M have twin packs of mixed colours (red/cream, black/grey etc) for £3.99. They are just plain but perfect for a multitude of jobs. Also for cold/flu prep get some manuka honey. I got 10+ Active Manuka honey for £4 in Aldi's. It helps shift the cold pretty quick (which in my case is great as I start my new job tomorrow!).

congrats and good luck in your new job:T

Ellie83

Can I ask you resourceful ladies a question? We are in the process of buying our first house (yay ) and it got me thinking of way to save on the heating bills. I read some of you mention window quilts: are they good? I know they have a lot of them in the US but I don't know if they would make much of a difference in a UK home (warmer winters, double glazing, etc).

As you can see, we are rather clueless as our current (rented) flat feels like a fridge in the winter, so I don't want to go overboard

Thanks for your help

darkrev

Ellie83 wrote: »

Can I ask you resourceful ladies a question? We are in the process of buying our first house (yay ) and it got me thinking of way to save on the heating bills. I read some of you mention window quilts: are they good? I know they have a lot of them in the US but I don't know if they would make much of a difference in a UK home (warmer winters, double glazing, etc).

As you can see, we are rather clueless as our current (rented) flat feels like a fridge in the winter, so I don't want to go overboard

Thanks for your help

Window quilts are one of several choices for your windows depending on the type of windows and the condition of them, many people on here choose other methods like adding a thermal and / or fleece lining to existing windows or using sealants and / or bubble wrap that is stuck with water so that it can be easily removed. But window quilts could be considered a prettier option and more easily removable if you put them up with tie backs and velcro so take them down in the good weather and put them up to get cosy in the autumn. We seem to be a nation who is a little behind on this feature the Usa and Canada appear to be more clued up on them but they are still as of yet unfamiliar to us. I'm looking at my first winter with them, and i so far am looking forward to not having to use various layers but instead have a pretty feature. I'm sure there are many more people who can tell you much more about them , but i'm definitely a first year convert. The only thing i am taking on board is that to fit my decor i'm keeping it to a single color and not a patch work effect to keep it simple. As i said I'm a first year convert, but converted i definitely am. I'ts not a high cost and if you don't like it , it's easy to remove. I have double glazing but still loose heat through the glass and the vents and you can feel a change in temp near the glazing, so to avoid keeping the thermostat at a higher temp I'm going for it this year.
Good luck in your new home !

Ellie83

darkrev wrote: »

Window quilts are one of several choices for your windows depending on the type of windows and the condition of them, many people on here choose other methods like adding a thermal and / or fleece lining to existing windows or using sealants and / or bubble wrap that is stuck with water so that it can be easily removed. But window quilts could be considered a prettier option and more easily removable if you put them up with tie backs and velcro so take them down in the good weather and put them up to get cosy in the autumn. We seem to be a nation who is a little behind on this feature the Usa and Canada appear to be more clued up on them but they are still as of yet unfamiliar to us. I'm looking at my first winter with them, and i so far am looking forward to not having to use various layers but instead have a pretty feature. I'm sure there are many more people who can tell you much more about them , but i'm definitely a first year convert. The only thing i am taking on board is that to fit my decor i'm keeping it to a single color and not a patch work effect to keep it simple. As i said I'm a first year convert, but converted i definitely am. I'ts not a high cost and if you don't like it , it's easy to remove. I have double glazing but still loose heat through the glass and the vents and you can feel a change in temp near the glazing, so to avoid keeping the thermostat at a higher temp I'm going for it this year.
Good luck in your new home !

Thanks Darkrev I want them to look pretty too, and make them a lovely feature in my home. And I love patchwork quilting so I will give it a try. And as you say, it is quite cheap as I have loads of fabric anyway!

I am still going to use the curtains though, as I just love closing the curtains at night: it feels so cosy

Yes, they are ahead of us in terms of window insulation, but their winters tend to be slightly colder :rotfl:

It's quite a new house, thick double glazing and insulation. My husband tells me it's a good excuse to start a new crafty project: like I need an excuse :rotfl:

rising_from_the_ashes

Thanks for the welcome back!:D

I must admit I had to search on window quilts as had an idea - but no idea how to make them!

Came across this - which has a good pic http://www.everydayruralty.com/2012/08/window-quilts.html and this one which seems to have good instructions http://energyboomer.typepad.com/energyboomer/2007/09/how-to-make-ene.html

annie123

Loads of links on a post I did last year on window quilts.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=48104311&postcount=1563

Small windows are very easy especially if they're pillow case size;) big windows are not so, but they make a big difference.
I have the original 1930's casement windows which I love in summer but they are cold in winter.
In my north facing living room I caulk them, then window film, then quilts, then fleeces, then thermal lined curtains.........can you tell I don't like drafts, being cold or paying high gas bills

The fleeces are up all year round as they make nice lightweight summer curtains, the light still filters through the white fleece but provides privacy too.

I haven't remade new ones yet to replace the ones the mice used as bedding in the loft....useful tip store in something mouse proof;) As it's autumn next month, I'd best get a move on and get more done.

Edit; bubble wrap works well instead of wadding but if you want them rolled up during the day it does stand out quite a bit at the top.

Ellie83

annie123 wrote: »

Loads of links on a post I did last year on window quilts.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=48104311&postcount=1563

Small windows are very easy especially if they're pillow case size;) big windows are not so, but they make a big difference.
I have the original 1930's casement windows which I love in summer but they are cold in winter.
In my north facing living room I caulk them, then window film, then quilts, then fleeces, then thermal lined curtains.........can you tell I don't like drafts, being cold or paying high gas bills

The fleeces are up all year round as they make nice lightweight summer curtains, the light still filters through the white fleece but provides privacy too.

I haven't remade new ones yet to replace the ones the mice used as bedding in the loft....useful tip store in something mouse proof;) As it's autumn next month, I'd best get a move on and get more done.

Edit; bubble wrap works well instead of wadding but if you want them rolled up during the day it does stand out quite a bit at the top.

Wow, thanks Annie for the advice and the thread Very useful. I don't like being cold and I hate gas bills even more :rotfl: Thank God, we are in the process to buy a fairly modern home so insulation should not be as bad as in our rented place.

And I really want to try my hand at making a window quilt

[Deleted User]

ELLIE - it would be worth considering cavity wall insulation if you don't have it already and make sure the loft is adequately insulated too. If you are buying an older house it might be worth checking with your local authority to see if any grants are applicable. Do a draft test on your doors, and make excluders for they if necessary. If you have any open fires that aren't being used invest in chimney balloons for them, keeps rooms much warmer. Can't think of anything elso at the mo but if I do I'll be back. Cheers Lyn.

Ellie83

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

ELLIE - it would be worth considering cavity wall insulation if you don't have it already and make sure the loft is adequately insulated too. If you are buying an older house it might be worth checking with your local authority to see if any grants are applicable. Do a draft test on your doors, and make excluders for they if necessary. If you have any open fires that aren't being used invest in chimney balloons for them, keeps rooms much warmer. Can't think of anything elso at the mo but if I do I'll be back. Cheers Lyn.

Thanks Lyn. We are buying a newish house, which already has insulation and no chimney, so at least I know that is covered. We may add some insulation in the loft though, thanks for reminding me, I will add this to our budget sheet. It only has the minimum right now.

Oooo, yes, I forgot, front room curtains are in order! Even in my step-mother-in-law's newbuilt house, you can feel drafts (although they're warm at this time of year!) coming from the front door.

Fruball

:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j

I am so pleased - I have been meaning to get black out linings or blind for my bedroom for ages as my curtains are cream, unlined and let all the light in and the kids room for stopping them waking so early, and helping them sleep at night.... Mooching around charity shops and found a pair!

Took a chance they would fit the kids room and bought them for £1.95 and they fit MY window!!! They look unused so maybe somone bought the wrong size and didn't bother to return them to the shop.

I am so pleased :T