OzBargain Winter Heating Tips

AlienC on 29/05/2017 - 20:05

So with winter coming along what are your current Ozbargain winter heating tips.

I have a room with a window that leaks cold air (need to get that fixed) but other than that I don't use any sort of heating equipment besides extra blankets and extra layers of clothing.

What have you found is the best way to keep warm.

I am considering trying a hot water bottle/electric blanket or heater but don't want to use it too much as last winter our electricity bill went up three fold during winter.

So have you crafty sneaky Ozbargainers for any cool tips for keeping warm for winter.

Am in the blue mountains katoomba to be exact so yeah I bet three will be snow again this July.

Home & Garden

Comments

    • OzzyOzbourne on 30/05/2017 - 11:55

      Can't believe the house loses no heat at all through out the entire winter just with double glazing.

      • misu p on 30/05/2017 - 18:38
        +2

        Most of the heat loss is through the windows (if your house is insulated anyway), not through the walls, most Aussies (at least in Sydney) already barely use a heater, with double glazing they would not need one.

  • Euphemistic on 30/05/2017 - 11:44
    +1

    If heating, still keep nice warm clothes on so you don't need to bring the temp up so high. I get confused by people that complain about high heating costs but walk around in tshirt and shorts indoors.

    Make sure you isolate the area you want to heat. Close doors so you aren't heating areas you aren't going in to. Open plan sucks for heating.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 30/05/2017 - 11:53

    I run the reverse cycle inverter a/c during the day on solar power to keep the background temp at 19c. Then once the sun goes down, the gas blown heating kicks in, but doesn't need to do much to maintain the temperature as the house is already warm from the a/c.

    Also thick curtains, window film, seal any gaps and better loft insulation helps.

  • skyva on 30/05/2017 - 12:10

    My house is in semi-rural Vic, so cool but not freezing usually. It is old and has no gas or solar. It has taken years to get it better but every year I do improve it. Current electricity bills are around $1000/qtr in winter.

    Get door seals. I use these and they make a good difference. Air leaks have a huge impact.

    I bought a proper winter doona, duck down or something. It is really warm so i can sleep in my t-shirt. Too hot for summer, I bought it on sale in spring. They can be $400+ for a good one. On sale can be 50% off.

    Reverse cycle A/C is the best heating method for electricity.

    Also wear warm clothes in the house. I find bed socks great.

    I have a wood fire but it is not something that you can just turn on, so I mainly run it on weekends from June-August. Wood is not cheap and it has taken me many hours to get enough off the property for a season, but trees fall anyway so I need to clean them up.

    Every year do one thing to improve the place, and after a few it will be fine.

    • mskeggs on 30/05/2017 - 14:41
      +2

      Time for solar with your set up. You will be able to run the AC for free during the daylight, to heat the place up prior to dusk.

      • skyva on 30/05/2017 - 16:45
        +2

        I agree, just need to cash up front. My house is old and in need of repair, so it is difficult to prioritise it even though it makes perfect sense.
        Maybe this year's tax return.

  • Brouw3r on 30/05/2017 - 12:49

    What kind of heater are you using? Oil column heaters are notoriously inefficient.

    We seldom use our heaters (reverse cycle AC), maybe a few of the coldest nights to take the chill out of the room before going to bed. Slippers, jumpers and socks for the most part .

  • HX925 on 30/05/2017 - 14:45
    +1

    If u own ur place, get a cheap fireplace and collect free firewood from Gumtree. Also blinds open in the sun is great way to warm up ur place then immediately close them when the sun disappears. Cooking is also cheaper than eating out and the stove/oven radiates heat. U can also take a hot shower before bed as long as u dry ur hair. They r all the things I do. Another good idea is to dress warm and go fora jog at night. It's gets u so warm u wanna rip all ur clothes off when u get home. Helps u adjust to a cooling climate.

  • natfu on 30/05/2017 - 14:50
    +1

    Just curious,

    If, as you say you don't use heating, how did your bill go up threefold?

    • AlienC on 30/05/2017 - 15:40

      We used heating once last winter.. received the bill.. never again.

  • goosegog on 30/05/2017 - 15:24
    +1

    RUG UP - layer clothes, wear socks & big furry ugg boots. The more you keep heating the property to the minimum the more you will save in your wallet. Make sure all doors to rooms not in use are closed so heat stays in the important rooms. Remember the kitchen can keep warm through cooking - no added heat is necessary. Have a great winter !

  • ahly92 on 30/05/2017 - 15:31
    +1

    cheapest way to heat the bed and keep it mite-free is release your inner gasses…

  • Ctn on 30/05/2017 - 15:37
    +1

    Hold both hands to mouth & nose.
    Breathe out warm air.

  • skillet on 30/05/2017 - 16:46
    +5

    1) Move around, get your body worked out. Do simple exercise, stretching whatever. Plenty on Youtube. Our body is great at producing heat. You work out all winter then spring and summer you get great bod.

    2) Find a partner

    3) Cover up the vital areas. Gloves, Socks and Beanie. Just placing a t-shirt covering your head when sleeping on top of regular PJs is very effective.

    4) Keep away from the couch

    5) Warm water

    6) Layers work better than one thick jacket

    7) Sleep in the smallest room, easiest to heat and more energy efficient.

    8) Sleep upstairs if there is a level. Heat rises.

    9) Get a heat pack, they are very quick to warm up in the microwave and stay hot for very long. Direct contact to your body transfer heat well.

    • billy77 on 30/05/2017 - 17:02
      +6

      Are these meant to be an outdoor survival guide?

      • skillet on 31/05/2017 - 11:35

        No, you need to speak to homeless for that.

    • montorola on 31/05/2017 - 13:04

      +1 to working out in winter. Once it becomes a habit you'll actually enjoy it as when you're outside running, etc it'll feel like an air con once you're heated up.

      Also, fill up a hot water bottle with hot water and keep it at your feet in bed. You'll be warm the whole night.

    • skillet on 01/06/2017 - 10:11

      I have a Bosch heated 12V jacket. It works great, it warms up super quick then set it on low when I work on the car or in the shed. I only need to wear a t shirt under. Words cannot describe how effective and power saving, it's a personal heater. If you have name brand 12V power tools, it's most likely you will be able to get a heated jacket which takes your cordless battery. It's really good for outdoors use and those who's always feeling cold indoors.

      I am a small build, most small/med size fits me but this S jacket feels like medium on me. It's a sized a little big, it was imported from Amazon.
      http://www.bosch-pt.com.au/au/en/professional/power-tools/c2…

      Here's a few others I found online, they are not expensive at all compared to normal jackets. I have seen quite a few and the build quality is excellent.

      https://aegpowertools.com.au/12v-heated-jacket-kit
      https://www.milwaukeetools.com.au/heated-gear
      https://www.makita.com.au/products/lithium/lithium-ion-skins…
      http://www.metabo.com.au/14-4-18-Volt-cordless-heated-jacket…

      https://www.gettoolsdirect.com.au/heated-jackets.html

      Booooo for Ryobi/Bunnings fan boys! Ryobi doesnt sell heated jacket in Aus. Metabo & Makita jacket is 18V uses heavier & bigger battery. There are also heated jackets for motorbike riders but I don't have any experience with them.

      • montorola on 02/06/2017 - 09:20

        That's so cool! I didn't even realise they made stuff like that, I'll have a look at the motorcycle ones, cheers!

  • natfu on 30/05/2017 - 17:06
    +2

    Thermal under-layers are fantastic. On colder days I wear them under my jeans (which on their own are crap insulators). Micro-fleece tops are ….well… tops too.

  • vtml on 30/05/2017 - 17:19
    +2

    I am currently with Dodo on both Electricity and Gas in Victoria, and everyday 6am - 7am electricity is free. I set my dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, and reverse cycle A/C to full blast during that time in both hot and cold mornings.

  • Tasmaniac on 30/05/2017 - 18:34

    https://imgflip.com/i/1pyax5

  • syousef on 30/05/2017 - 18:36
    +5

    If you snuggle, don't skimp on the birth control, or it could get very very expensive.

    • Donaldhump on 01/06/2017 - 20:53

      Just leave by summer and it's all good

  • subywagon on 30/05/2017 - 18:53

    Install a wood heater and burn hardwood pallets. I did this in my last house and it pretty much cost me nothing all winter.

  • 1mmy1mmy on 30/05/2017 - 19:01
    +1

    Hey, my friend used to work for a non-profit working with older people who were living in public housing in Canberra (i.e. no money to spare and cold). He recommended electric blankets that go on your lap as you sit on the couch. Make sure you don't leave it on unattended though - fire hazard!

    It's a good idea to block gaps under doors and you can always pick up cheap and thick curtains on gumtree, eBay or op-shops.

  • zealmax on 30/05/2017 - 19:03

    You can buy tents that fit your bed. Basically a popup tent without the floor. It keeps the warm air trapped within the tent and keeps you warm. Make sure you have a healthy diet before getting in one of these, could quickly turn into a dutch oven.

  • HoneyComb on 30/05/2017 - 19:34
    +1

    Here is my tight arse tip for winter.

    get an empty drinking bottle. empty cola bottle works.

    fill 1/4 with hot tap water. close the lid tight and check that it's not dripping from lid.

    put anywhere you want it to be warm.

    if you are going for shower, let the bottle sit ontop of your clothes and when you get out of shower you will have warm clothes.

    if you are going to bed. put the bottle in your bed under the blanket for 5 minutes before getting in. it works just as well as an electric blanket without the safety issue and it only takes a couple minutes to heat your bed up. when you get in. it's warm.

    i like using the white vinagar bottles from coles. http://images.grocerycop.com.au/coles/4524127.jpg the vinegar bottles are thicker plastic than cola bottles and won't melt when putting hot tap water in it. added bonus that it's large rectangle shaped.

    1/4 of hot tap water in the vinagar coles bottle (roughly 500mls) usually stays warm for 1 hour for me.

    • lainey13 on 31/05/2017 - 19:26
      +2

      That is truly tightarse considering you can get a hot water bottle for about $5 that works a lot better :)

      • kiitos on 31/05/2017 - 20:39
        +1

        But it won't hold 2 litres of hot water like HoneyComb's bottle will! That's the problem I find with HWBs, they don't seem to hold enough water to stay hot for long.

        • Archi on 06/06/2017 - 15:55

          but honeycomb said to fill it 1/4 the way… so that's only 500ml..

          a hot water bottle will be able to hold boiling hot water from the kettle.. and stay warm pretty much the whole night till morning under the blanket…

          you can buy covers or make your own so it's a lot more pleasant to touch with your hands and feet

  • tumsum on 30/05/2017 - 19:56
    +4

    drink a warm beverage like tea

  • Thenarrator on 30/05/2017 - 20:42
    +1

    I keep my hands warm by putting it under my laptop or wherever the ventilation is at. Great residual heat, nothing ever gets wasted.

  • p2015 on 30/05/2017 - 20:50
    +3

    Hey there! I just read everyone's suggestions. Some good ones in this thread.

    I would like to quickly expand on skillet's point 1.

    For more than +10 years I used to have cold hands/feet, and I attributed it on genetics and thought nothing would change.

    After some advice, I began to do pushups/squats/tiptoes some years ago regularly. Having good blood circulation really helps to fend off the cold. Having some muscles keep you fit and burn calories for you too.

    Eating regularly helps too, it gives you energy and you stay warm. In the very beginning, however, I might also recommend some thick socks from Target.

  • supnigs super skids on 30/05/2017 - 21:06

    Wear a duck down jacket and burn wood

  • Dancasper on 30/05/2017 - 21:26

    If you have sash windows that are difficult to seal, have a look at a company called Magnetite. They produce a product that can retrofit a half inch acrylic panel on the inside of your window frame. Can be costly so you could utilise you OzBargain license and knock up a Bunnings copy (do it yourself) .

    Anything airtight will form an extra layer of insulation. It also blocks noise as well.

  • BartholemewH on 30/05/2017 - 21:44
    +1

    The other day I set up a plastic paw patrol tent in my sons room and he wanted his mother and I to get inside with him. The enclosed space was a good few degrees warmer than the rest of the house after 5 minutes. Cheap and easy, just spend all your time inside a childrens play tent.

  • OBone on 30/05/2017 - 22:00

    There are many interesting DIY solutions for passive solar heating to be found on youtube if you're the handy kind, but of course the sun has to shine ….

    https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=solar+heater+ho…

    As for electric blankets, we turn ours on an hour or two before we go to the bed and turn it off when we get in. We never sleep all night with it on as a good doona then keeps us warm.

  • SpaceFrog on 30/05/2017 - 22:18

    Embrace the cold! Try the Wim Hof Method
    Switch to cold showers. If you're using electric hot water you will save a lot.

  • jaimex2 on 30/05/2017 - 22:54

    Why dont you have a wood heater if you're in the Blue Mountains? It's free heating for a little gathering work.

    Buy one second hand and pay a plumber to install it.

    • AlienC on 30/05/2017 - 23:03

      Honestly never crossed my mind/haven't looked into it as this is just for my small bedroom but I am thinking it might actually be useful once I work out the fire risks. Btw where can you gather free firewood? We have a fire place but it is in the common living area.

      Hmm a mini fireplace in my bedroom if it works out to cost cheaply I might just try that.

      • maxdba on 30/05/2017 - 23:27

        Good idea. You can even hunt some rabbits while gathering firewood around and bring them back for a BBQ. That will keep your body warm from inside.

      • BartholemewH on 31/05/2017 - 17:37

        Firewood is approx. 180 - 200 / tonne.

        Edit: Possibly more in the Blue Mountains.

        • jaimex2 on 31/05/2017 - 22:41

          What the? Just grab a chainsaw and head into the woods. Find a fallen tree and away you go.

        • abb on 01/06/2017 - 14:14

          @jaimex2: Cutting down trees (or taking fallen trees) in national parks is rather illegal…

        • jaimex2 on 01/06/2017 - 22:35

          @abb: yikes, didn't know that. I live in the Dandenong ranges and help myself to fallen trees for all my wood.

  • Ravensbane on 31/05/2017 - 05:25

    Electric blankets apparently cost bugger all to run. http://www.news.com.au/finance/how-to-stay-warm-all-winter-f…
    Can be one of those electric throw blankets as well so can move around the room with you.

  • Kangal on 31/05/2017 - 10:44

    Chubby girlfriend (or chubby girlfriend)…

  • mavis30551 on 31/05/2017 - 11:38
    +1

    My Mum taught me this. Apologies if its already been said.

    Use the Oven for as much cooking as possible, and then once you are finished eave the oven door open so all the heat escapes and warms the house.

  • Gronk on 31/05/2017 - 14:29
    +1

    Aldi sleeping bag onesie.

  • Plug on 31/05/2017 - 14:31

    Tip: block evap ducts as any heat in tbe house will find its way up there instead of keeping you warm.

  • Livert on 31/05/2017 - 14:46
    +1

    Bubble wrap or shrink film your windows. Works extremely well.

  • Hamlet on 31/05/2017 - 15:36
    +1

    Do it the Chinese way: soak your feet in a pail of hot water. Feels amazing and warms your whole body!

    • Ravensbane on 31/05/2017 - 19:29

      Lived with some Chinese awhile ago and they drank warm/hot water. Warms your core.

      • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2017 - 22:28
        +3

        Hope it's not the same water.

        • Lucky13 on 01/06/2017 - 16:29

          Recycle! This is a thrifty site remember :)

  • aong152 on 31/05/2017 - 17:36
    +1

    Thermals ($30-40 for tops/bottoms) and a hot water bottle is good till about 5c for me.

    I don't like layering 3 jumpers (what I did with my Asian family until I became a real white person and discovered technology) because it's impossible to move or use computers properly.

    • anastasiastarz on 04/06/2017 - 23:44

      I'm layering Uniqlo Heattech with 2x Glasson's Merino. What are you wearing?

      • aong152 on 08/06/2017 - 11:58

        At home i just use kathmandu polypro with a tshirt and some pants.

        When i go out i just add any generic hoodie and change pants to jeans/chinos.

  • Excelsior on 31/05/2017 - 20:40

    Get some Uniqlo Heattech gear! Works pretty well and is affordable.

  • freakatronic on 31/05/2017 - 23:00

    Do 30 push ups every 15 minutes. The extra upshot is your summer body will be ready on time ;)

    • Euphemistic on 01/06/2017 - 09:01

      THats no good for me, it's going to take about 20min to do 30 pushups.

      • freakatronic on 01/06/2017 - 13:43

        Do one every 15 minutes. Add one push up every day. In one month you'll be up to 30 in a row.

  • apey2000 on 31/05/2017 - 23:33

    vigorous secks

  • coolbzk on 01/06/2017 - 10:52

    fix the leak
    should be fine now, i am living in western sydney and i dont think it is too cold

  • Lucky13 on 01/06/2017 - 14:06

    Electric blanket for your bed for sure = essential. Just turn it on before you go to bed to heat the bed up then turn it off when you get in.

    Aand I bought this last winter, Goldair electric throw blanket http://www.harveynorman.com.au/goldair-geft250-heated-micro-… Pretty awesome and talking cents to run, really cheap.

    And when you're just sitting around a Nanna blanket for your legs, those Nannas are pretty smart!

  • EyyBanane on 01/06/2017 - 17:47

    Be a Chuck and put some space blankets up the walls.

  • Davo1111 on 01/06/2017 - 18:22

    Are you renting? Or own?

    Your first priority is to seal all these gaps, particulary on the outside. If you're renting this might involve using temporary materials to block the window.

    As soon as the sun goes down,close all doors and windows, don't wait until ts getting cold.

    A hot water bottle and proper warm socks can also go a long way

  • gajam on 01/06/2017 - 20:39

    Visit Flemington / Sydney Markets look for second hand gas LPG heaters, you may find good bargains there. Cheaper than electricity. I have kids so I can't apply my advice to myself

  • AlienC on 01/06/2017 - 23:02
    +1

    OP here. Just settled on using an oil gas lamp heater. Meh it does the job I guess I will just pay a bit extra this winter :(

    • PJC on 01/06/2017 - 23:43

      Thanks for the update.

  • BargainKen on 01/06/2017 - 23:31

    these last few days in sydney it was cold and I was out wearing shorts. So I decided to run instead of walk, up a hill. Made it to the top, just barely warm …. brrrr :)

  • bargainy on 02/06/2017 - 08:34

    Column heater without the fan. 7+ columns will heat a fair amount of space quite economically.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2017 - 11:07
    +1

    Move to Queensland.

    • montorola on 02/06/2017 - 12:23

      Please don't - I don't want Brisbane to get overpopulated like Sydney lol

      • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2017 - 12:37
        +1

        I agree. Seal the borders. We have too many of them up here telling us how good Sydney is anyway. Why don't they ever go back?????

  • cloudy on 02/06/2017 - 14:12
    +1

    Nt sure if this is mentioned, but I used to plug in the bath when I showered to capture the hot water and let it warm the bathroom/bathroom before I let it down the sink hole. After all I paid for the water to be heated, so may as well not let it go to waste :)

    Only works if your shower is in the bathtub though!

  • cloudy on 02/06/2017 - 14:15

    Also, if you have sun coming in through windows, it's a good idea to let the sun shine on something that captures heat. Heating properties of different item differ, so basically you want whatever item that is shone upon to have a high capacity to capture and store the heat.

    In short, what I do is put my weights near the windows. :)

  • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2017 - 10:12
    +1

    I'm going to rent my spare rooms out to 'working girls'. That will keep the house nice and warm!

    • PJC on 04/06/2017 - 11:12

      You may not want the rent …

      • Archi on 06/06/2017 - 16:00
        +1

        that's not being very thrifty,,,

  • cupcake on 08/06/2017 - 16:42

    Get a bed buddy.

  • julesio on 16/06/2017 - 13:17

    Just bought an apartment. Double glazed glass. Investing in a Snuggie and Moccasins. Ducted heating will not be used gosh darned it.

    • AlienC on 16/06/2017 - 17:25

      How much was the double glazed glass. If it's not too expensively maybe I can Invest in it for my room. Roughly 3 Windows.

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