Preparing for Winter

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

Quasar wrote: »

Olliebeak, I know what you mean about heated bedrooms. I don't like a hot bedroom either as it gives me a headache when I get up. I much prefer a cool temperature and putting an extra fleece on the duvet. In fact, I prefer a coolt temperature everywhere as it's less dehydrating - and I'm a stickler for drimking lots of fluids and keeping well hydrated, as it prevents lots of minor health annoyances.

I've never been able to sleep even in the winter in a heated bedroom and I always have to have the window wide open no matter what time of year.
We never had central heating anywhere in the house even when our children were babies and it did'nt hurt us.I think that's why not putting it on now does'nt bother me.
My mum is 85 and has never had central heating she refuses saying it's unhealthy.She has a gas fire in her living room and is quite happy with that.She never gets a cold,flu or chest problem so maybe there is something in it.She believes in keeping a window open all day for fresh air.To be honest I think that she has a point.She says if you keep active you can keep warm and you need to keep active when you get older or you'll just stop.I do think central heating does cause some health problems and although I would'nt want to do without it totally I think it's not that necessary in the bedroom.
Maybe we've all just got a bit soft these days.

D&DD

Well we have had to put the heating on a bit here and there already as DS2 is feeling the cold.Dread to think what our bills will be this year :eek:
Has anyone got any tips on looking after someone who isn't mobile?? We have tried hot water bottles and extra covers but he is still not comfortable..
I was wondering wether the old electric blankets are any good now? I remember my one I had when I was little with great affection lol !! Are they very heavy??

Cadi

I've had lots of great tips from this thread (thank you to everyone), and I'm busily draughtproofing today, since the indoor temp has dropped to 12 degrees.

Could anyone recommend a good material for putting on top of my computer desk? It has a glass top which looks lovely, but in winter it is like resting my arms on ice. The cold comes through the table cloths that I've tried.

Quasar

MRSTITTLEMOUSE wrote: »

I've never been able to sleep even in the winter in a heated bedroom and I always have to have the window wide open no matter what time of year.
We never had central heating anywhere in the house even when our children were babies and it did'nt hurt us.I think that's why not putting it on now does'nt bother me.
My mum is 85 and has never had central heating she refuses saying it's unhealthy.She has a gas fire in her living room and is quite happy with that.She never gets a cold,flu or chest problem so maybe there is something in it.She believes in keeping a window open all day for fresh air.To be honest I think that she has a point.She says if you keep active you can keep warm and you need to keep active when you get older or you'll just stop.I do think central heating does cause some health problems and although I would'nt want to do without it totally I think it's not that necessary in the bedroom.
Maybe we've all just got a bit soft these days.

I also don't have central heating in this flat - I've always refused to have it installed. I have good gas and electric heaters and I find that I can control the temperature better as I only heat up the room I'm in at the time. A quick full heat on for 5 minutes and then on low thermostat on and off for a while. The double glazing helps keep the heating in and so do the well drawn curtains in the evening.

Many people don't realise that it is better to have two thinner layers of comfortably fitting clothing on, say jumpers, than one thick jumper, as the small amount of air trapped in between layers, once heated by the body, doesn't lose heat very fast, therefore acting as good insulation. For me, a t-shirt, a light jumper and a fleecy jacket are the best heating I can imagine.

Another important thing to remember is that we lose lots of heat from the top of our heads, therefore wearing a warm hat (or luscious hair tied up) helps the body conserve heath.

Healthy adults can adapt to a cooler temperature surprisingly well, although when there are elderly people or small children, then of course one must consider their needs above all.

MRSTITTLEMOUSE your mum is so right.... :A

Quasar

Cadi wrote: »

I've had lots of great tips from this thread (thank you to everyone), and I'm busily draughtproofing today, since the indoor temp has dropped to 12 degrees.

Could anyone recommend a good material for putting on top of my computer desk? It has a glass top which looks lovely, but in winter it is like resting my arms on ice. The cold comes through the table cloths that I've tried.

A great insulating material which comes free is cardboard. Get a good quality box, flatten it out carefully and lay it neatly on the top. May not look terribly elegant but it will take off the chill. Two layers if necessary. You can always cover the lot with a nice cloth.

sassypie

Cadi wrote: »

I've had lots of great tips from this thread (thank you to everyone), and I'm busily draughtproofing today, since the indoor temp has dropped to 12 degrees.

Could anyone recommend a good material for putting on top of my computer desk? It has a glass top which looks lovely, but in winter it is like resting my arms on ice. The cold comes through the table cloths that I've tried.

Hi Cadi,

cardboard is great, Qasar, but an even better one would be cork tiles. My bathroom at my old flat was built over a walkway with cold vinyl tiles, put sticky backed cork tiles over the top (from Focus) and noticed a huge difference. Focus and B & Q also do "unstuck" ones :rolleyes: that you use with glue, better for your desk!!

sassy xxx

sammy_kaye18

sammy_kaye18 wrote: »

• fleeces on beds
• line curtains in our room,bens room and living room - got curtains jsut need to get off my butt and do them
• hang curtains on front door - long enough to cover letter box but not long enough to reach the floor (dog has a few possession issues)
• draught excluders for bedrooms - got two for living room already
• [strike]clingfilm windows in living room,[/strike] bens room, [strike]kitchen [/strike]and hallway (all single glazed).
• bubble wrap windows in toilet and bathroom
• [strike]block draughts[/strike]
• [strike][strike]fleeces under bedsheets [/strike](have these in cupboard so will air before hand) [/strike]
• [strike]blankets/throws on sofa - again have these now (well they are thick knitted bedsheets) need washing and airing[/strike]
• bedsheet on bed - needs washign and airing
• [strike]new pillows for bed (ours are a bit flat now and figure if we get 1 new pillow each there will be more to cuddle into thus keeping us warmer)[/strike]
• pyjamas for me
• jumpers/hoodies for me
• scarf/gloves and hats each
• [STRIKE]stock up on more candles[/STRIKE]
• [STRIKE]2 hot water bottles needed now[/STRIKE]
• rug for the living room (currently cheap poundland vinyl slats that look like laminate but it gets reall cold in winter)
• bath mat for toilet/bathroom as they are tiled floor and cold!
• get store cupboard stocked
• Stock up on toilet roll (i always get a horrid early morning loo roll run mid winter and i hate it!!
• Medicine cabinet stocked

have also managed to get bf thermal socks (3 pairs for £1 - poundland), me bed socks with the grips on the bottom that are snuggly (£1 a pair in be wise - various colours)

and had the idea of using a shower curtain and gaffer tape on little ones bed as cant find a waterproof mattress protector for a cot bed - so wondering if i put his fleece under that if it would still insulate him??? answers on a postcard please.....

newlywed

Originally Posted by newlywed
1. Build up extra on GAS meter
- new bank account opened and money started there so I get interest
2. Hot water bottles
- plan to make rice bags instead - thanks for the tips
3. Throws for beds
- got two for our bed - need to get two navy ones for the boys.
4. Thermal linings for boys room
- found some reasonable priced ones in Dunelm Mills but just need the money and to get there
5. Look at thicker curtains/thermal lining for front room.
- looked - and looked at the price for floor length curtains. That one will have to wait

Maybe replacing any (non-dimmer switched) bulbs with energy saving in the meantime.

Done the 4 x 50W GU10 in the bathroom for energy saving ones and replaced the 4 x50W GU10 light in the hall for a normal 18w bulb.

Must try harder.

Still got more to do.

MRSMCAWBER

Woohooo Newlywed...

What colour is your living room? and "how" big would your curtains need to be to touch the floor..if you don't mind me asking

Cadi

Thank you to Quasar and sassypie: I'm going to attempt to insulate my desk now!