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Simple steps to stay warm in a cold house

Posted Nov 14 2008, 12:22 PM by Karen Datko
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Kate at Living the Frugal Life has some tips that remind us of a Montana winter years ago. Making little money early in our career, we set the thermostat at 60 degrees. That was that.

Years later, when hard times hit, we reverted to those frugal ways. To this day, the programmable thermostat never goes above 63 in winter. Do we sometimes get cold? Yes. Do we suffer? No. We know that Kate's advice works.

We recently found Kate's blog and enjoy it because it's so real. Unlike personal-finance writers who assemble advice in the comfort of fine homes, she's living a sustainable suburban homestead life.

These simple personal tips will help if you're among those trading warmer houses for lower energy costs. (For more ideas about cutting the power bill, read "13 easy, inexpensive ways to go green" and "10 easy ways to 'green' your house.")

    • Layer your clothes. She's admittedly a wuss so she wears fingerless gloves and a hat in the house. Extreme? Perhaps. We've been thinking about those old-fashioned sleeping hats.

    • Get active when you feel cold. Hand wash dishes, use the vacuum cleaner. She sometimes puts dance music on the stereo to warm up.

    • Use the oven. Another post by Kate explains how to maximize use of your oven by baking several things at a time. After you turn it off, leave the door open.

    • Eat or drink something hot. That's a normal part of our day now that winter weather is here. After our fill of hot coffee, we switch to tea.

    • Don't pour hot cooking water down the drain. When we make pasta, which we do a lot, we lift it with tongs (thank you, Mario Batali) and deposit it in the sauce. The hot water stays on the stove until it cools.

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    Comments

     

    Great tips! Though we don't live in a place where we can't run heat on a regular basis, we still try to implement some of these principles. We only paid $15 last month is utilities (believe it or not!) because we're so careful about WHEN we run our heat. It's as simple as this:

    1. Make sure the heat is off when you're gone!

    2. Make sure the heat is off when you're in bed! If you're still cold, get another blanket; you don't want to have it running all night.

    3. Put on some extra clothes; just like the author said, layer your clothing; it'll save you a bundle!

    Thanks for the tips!

    http://www.financialnut.com

    Trevor (Posted 11.14.08 12:44 PM ) Report Abuse

    Handy tips, but I would caution against leaving the oven door open if kids  are about.

    We keep our heat at 61 all the time. We don't lower it at night b/c it's hard enough to get out of bed to deal with a crying child, etc. at that temp.

    Also, space heaters aren't what the used to be. We have an unheated sunroom that we are able to use year round because we keep a space heater running when we're in there. If it's a really cold day, I'll hang out in there with the heater going and the door closed.

    Other tricks: We don't run the bathroom fan when we shower in the morning, and we use a hair dryer to unsteam a section of the mirror (takes about 15 seconds). In the  evening, when I run the kids' baths I bring in their PJs and keep the door closed while the water is running and they're in there. It keeps it a few degrees warmer.

    Froogirl (Posted 11.14.08 1:57 PM ) Report Abuse

    These tips are great.  The only room we use a space heater in anymore is the bathroom first thing in the morning.  Makes it so you don't dread getting out of the shower--thereby staying in a lot longer than you need to and using all the hot water!  We just turn it off as soon as we're done.   I also keep a basket of throws and lap quilts in all the main living areas so when you're sitting around and start to get cold it's easy to grab one.

    Liz (Posted 11.14.08 3:57 PM ) Report Abuse

    I've been thinking about the old-fashioned sleeping hats too.  So I improvised with what I had - I took a square head scarf and tied it around my head turban-style, and then went to sleep.  It made a big difference in my comfort level - wasn't too hot and the knot was in front, so it didn't bother me as I slept.  And I felt warm and cozy.

    zanderlady (Posted 11.14.08 5:43 PM ) Report Abuse

    I work in a room with our computer servers and it is kept in the high 50's low 60's all the time so this is a daily thing for me.  I wear a stocking cap ALL the time...amazing how much warmer you feel when your head is not cold.  Dress in layers, and get a pair of shoes that's about a half size larger so you can wear extra thick socks. I also wear fingerless gloves as I type quite a bit.

    I used to drink hot chocolate all the time but then started getting fat....now just hot tea with a squeeze of lemon.

    jack (Posted 11.14.08 7:32 PM ) Report Abuse

    In winter to warm your head use a fluffy towel. Tuck it under the pillow in back and drape over your head. It will work if you sleep on side or back. Otherwise get a watch cap / knit cap wool or fleece. Covering your head will make you more comfey.

    eaf (Posted 11.14.08 8:50 PM ) Report Abuse

    When its cold in the house it a good excuse for some snuggle time!!! ?Use the old we have to use our bodies for heat gag it wont steer you wrong

    Love=warmth (Posted 11.15.08 7:42 AM ) Report Abuse

    I keep my temp at 58 at night and when I'm away from home. I kick it up to 62 when just sitting around or showering.  I used flannel sheets which help alot, but I have found that the new micro fiber sheets are better to keep you warm. They also work in the summer, I only used my air conditioner 2 nights in my bedroom, because they are cooler. I also vented my dryer into the house in the winter. It gives you warm moist heat just like a humidifier. NOTE: only do this with an electric dryer.  

    sharon (Posted 11.15.08 9:36 AM ) Report Abuse

    I bought a couple of those knit ski hats when they were on sale at the Dollar Store and they make great sleeping caps.  I am an elderly lady and must watch my budget but the winter nights "freeze my almost bald head!"  These comfortable knit caps have "solved the problem" as most of your body heat is lost through your head.  (I didn't know that until a professor friend told me!)  Anyway, you might try the knit hats for they wash well and are comfortable.  The rest of my body I just slip on a long sweater or warm housecoat.  Makes you wish you had a "real fireplace" sometimes!

    whitefeather (Posted 11.15.08 11:28 AM ) Report Abuse

    My husband and I keep our house at 62 degrees.  We have a space heater in our family room, and it works well.  I also wear one of his fleece shirts.  It is nice and cozy.  We got used to it after awhile.  Your body wil adjust.  Anywhere else now feels too warm.

    paws (Posted 11.15.08 11:49 AM ) Report Abuse

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