Preparing for Winter

lauren_1

Brrrrr, its so wintery here in somerset, still hasn't really got light yet!

[Deleted User]

I think the damp is going to be a much bigger problem than cold. There is a definite mouldy smell in the outside air, we live 2/3 surrounded by trees and coming back from T there was a chill air in the house. I think it is damp coming in through air vents etc. Our house is new but outside and inside will equalise re humidity if we don`t heat

I may put the heating on later for an hour because damp is so bad for health

mardatha

People need to keep a balance. In the old days, bronchitis, pluerisy and pneumonia were a lot more common than they are now. Cold is ok but damp is a killer. Please keep things in moderation --I dont want yez all dying off. Then I'd have no forum to read. !

isitenough

Many thanks for your comments mardatha, we'll probably start looking around, as we do really need something for the winter to keep the heat in the living room end where we spend most of the time, having radiators at each end means both 'rooms' would still be heated so no problem there! OH doesn't have a problem putting something up as long as it 'fits in' and doesn't look overly strange. But it's only for winter and will come down again as soon as the warmth returns (whenever that may be next year!).

Have to say at the moment it's not too cold here so I've just got a t-shirt on. (all windows closed though, which is strange for me!).
Last year I tried not to turn the heating on when the kids were at school as it seemed daft heating a whole house just for me, so I tended to sit here in my thick coat, which my OH found funny! If it saves money I'll do it again!

bertiebots

I know this might sound a little extreme......! but last night (and because we only have one working light) in our lounge I got 6 large candles that had been dotted around the house, gifts etc and put them on the hearth. Our fire is just for show and not a working model either lol!! We sat and watched a film and the room became quite warm with the heat from the candles and the room smelled lovely too.....
I am planning to go to ikea next week and stock up on candles as I have run out (hence the search). But I was suprised at the amount of heat they throw out. This time last year I would have put the heating on !!

As for those suffering with the damp ,I have lived in damp houses and used the gel dehumidifiers in the worst areas and they did seem to help a little and are the cheapest option and they dont cost anything to run.

bravobeastie

For anyone with a downstairs toilet....

Its always so cold in ours despite it being carpeted, i just figured it was because it was next to the front door (in the hall). I went to the toilet the other night and there was a small slug crawling across the floor, guessing one of the kids could have bought it in on their shoes, i popped him outside only to find another one in there last night :eek:

Then i looked behind the toilet (where the pipes go into the wall) and noticed a big gaping hole that had never been finished properly. Hubby filled it in and the room is now much warmer (and so far, no more creepy crawlies lol)

Just worth checking out and should help keep your house a bit warmer x

Boomdocker

I totally agree about the candles. I usually have a large yankee candle on for scent and then tealights in votives dotted around strategicaly. Not only is it homely and warming but it smells nice too and is relaxing. Much prefer that to the lamps/lights.

parsonswife8

Just watching BBC News and the river Taff in Wales, flooding.

People sitting on the roof of their cars.

And more rain expected there.

cady

Hiya i thought id pop in !!!! its soooo dark here and pouring of rain ive got soup on the go and my socks and cardi on (im only 23 i sound like my nan LOL) just wanted to say my MIL bought us some energy lightbulbs from morrisons 3 4 £1 they had click and screw in ones if anyone is after some!!! My list AGAIN!!

*Energy bulbs for all lights all but 4 now cant do the bed room as its a dimmer
*put thick duvet on almost we have one of those duvets you pop together so we have the medium bit on now will add the last bit wen it gets colder
*Remote socket for behind TV stand (its on stand by and we cat reach it to turn off at the wall) these are expensive so have got a timer switch off my mam to use for now will set the timer to cust off at 11pm till 7am better than nothing
*Fleeces for couch seen some lush ones in mataln 2 4 £20 but need £20 first if not home bargins had some
*Big custains for bedroom window gonna cost a bit we have a HUGE victorian bay window so gonna be expensive we may have to do without and try n get some in the sales
*Insulate window box still not sure how to do this? maybe foam hmmm
*foil for behind all radiators a trip to B&Q i feel can i add it behind the bathroom one if its tiled or is there no point?
*close off loft (we live in an upstairs flat and the loft is a room but sill woman who lived here hasnt insulated it properly so until we have the £££ its getting closed for winter) was thinking of a bit of wood wrapped in bubble wrap wrapped in foil to go over tha hatch (its open and all the heat escapes)
*fleece blanket or ct bed for !!!!! cat will look at asda or home bargins as she usually sleeps infront of the rads but there not gonna be on much this winter
*Pipe insulation for round front door B&Q
*Mat for front door ???????
* set energy monitor to new prices so can see how much its all costing Done
*sock and PJs DONE primark we love you
*winter coats i have a new one just washed boyfs today so is drying now
* airer done not using the TD unless i ABSALUTLY have to

EEEKKKK thought i was better organised than this must get sorted its sept now after all!!!

cady

oh just a quick question while im here

is it best to put the CH on for an hour or the gas fire on???

just trying to work out which will be cheapest to run our house is very open plan so its difficult to heat so didnt know if CH with foil behinf the rads would be better than the fire ???

CHEERS in advance off to lidl now to get a few bits ill pop back soon x