A hot water bottle is a must. Mine was quite cheap from Boots, it's old but does its job. I've used this on my lap before now to keep warm.
We have a 'wool room' duvet and mattress also mattress cover. Baavet are as good.
In the kitchen I keep a flask and use up any hot water from the kettle, (this for hot drinks all evening).
If you use a slow cooker, it will heat the kitchen as well as cook any food.
Eating foods such as soups, stews and casseroles keep one warm.
Layer up and wear a hat. I have a pure 'moon' wool throw to snuggle up under when sitting.
I'm struggling to get my windows to close properly. The hinges are apparently knackered.
I can only replace the hinges I think, but dunno if that'll help. The frames might be warped or something.
There are some really good socks called 'Heat holders'. They come in knee or calf length and really do keep your feet warm. They're quite thick so would be a good alternative to slippers (although they are slippery if walking around). I use mine for winter rides.
I’m struggling to get my windows to close properly. The hinges are apparently knackered.
Clean the runners out as best you can manually, then spray GT85 or WD40 liberally on them and the locking bits.
fettlin
Full Member
Where can i get some decent door/window seals to replace worn knackered ones?
@fettlin
This place do a seal sample kit
https://www.handlesandhinges.co.uk/
here:
https://www.handlesandhinges.co.uk/double-glazing-seal-gasket-sample-pack/
- it comes with all the types they stock & I think it includes a discount code if you eventually order from them.
I can only replace the hinges I think, but dunno if that’ll help. The frames might be warped or something.
One of our double glazed windows is like this, we leave it open nearly all year and it's like the frame has shrunk a bit as it's a nightmare to close. PITA as it's upstairs and open outward, so removing it to have a look isn't trivial.
The threat (or fear) of being cold this winter is really starting to bite with many. Some of our staff are beginning to panic, so what we've decided to do is buy all staff super warm winter coats, full base layers, socks, jumpers, hats and gloves.If they want to wear them outside of work then they are more than welcome to. We've also bought them 2 litre flasks so if they want to boil the kettle at work and take the flask home, again, they can.
2022 and this is the state of affairs - what a world we live in eh?
Lamp - what a wonderful thing to do.
Most of us on STW are outdoor people, so we're used to being outside and having suitable clothing. Many are not used to the cold and possibly don't even own a thermal garment. They might not even know how to layer their clothes.
I'm going to have a clear out of old hats, gloves, base layers and anything else to give to the local charity shop. But not my wool coat from 1992, that's staying here.
Clean the runners out as best you can manually, then spray GT85 or WD40 liberally on them and the locking bits.
Just replaced the broken lock on our faulty window this afternoon. Got a replacement module from the locksmith on the high street - which I really wasn't expecting.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/brf/52325437240/in/photostream
I did ask about the hinges as they are stiff as and he recommended GT-85 which is what they use. However, that didn't work, so I think the hinges are bent and as it's an outward opening 1st floor window I'm not taking it out on my own*, so the locksmith are sending a pair round next week to replace the hinges.
* having seen WCA's ankle after a ladder fall, the thought of trying to remove two hinges whilst lifting out a 25kg window at the top of a ladder really doesn't appeal.
I have already replaced hinges on one window, a 2nd floor one. It's entertaining even from the inside. I tied a rope to it in case I dropped it.
Actually I need to have another go at this whilst it's still warm and dry. I don't really want to be doing it in the winter.
I have already replaced hinges on one window, a 2nd floor one. It’s entertaining even from the inside. I tied a rope to it in case I dropped it.
If I was going to do it, I'd just drill an eye bolt above the window and then fix a compression strap round the window clipped into the bolt, so it can't go anywhere, but I have caved and just got the local locksmith to sort it.
We’ve not had the thermostat over 18°C for years. Wondering how low you can go for how long before it actually starts causing problems with the fabric of the building.
It's more likely to affect the health of those susceptible to blood circulatory conditions, COPD and asthma. Source
We’ve not had the thermostat over 18°C for years. Wondering how low you can go for how long before it actually starts causing problems with the fabric of the building.
Our house is Victorian, so it spent most of it's life before Central heating with just coal fires to vaguely warm it up...
Have spent most of my life making creative things in inappropriate work spaces by economic necessity...current studio has no heating and equalises to outside temperature every night. Its often 4degsC in the morning in winter, am content if can nudge it up to double figures. Funnily enough you do adapt and acclimatise to it, I'll work in that all day then coming into a centrally heated area is uncomfortable. I couldn't do this without the thickest Merino baselayers I can find, these are essential..I layer a cheap synthetic duvet style jacket over top which is light and comfortable as long as fits well, supplemented with a Syn or down gillet if really parky. Keep the head warm, goes without saying..but keep the feet warm too, I use expedition insulated base camp slippers when the floor is cold. Think dress more like a mountaineer and you'll be ok...been doing this for decades and am still here...
1300m level sleeping bag. Plenty of insulation, keeps the leg chilling draughts at bay. Probably be wearing insulated clothing too. Nasty as it sounds but I wont be using the gas central heating or fire this year(and probably next) Just have to keep up with the hot drinks, and have plenty of food to keep the system working and generating internal heat.
Its often 4degsC in the morning in winter, am content if can nudge it up to double figures. Funnily enough you do adapt and acclimatise to it,
I think you are bang on. I think it is. Harder the more sedentary you are. I feel the cold worse I. The week as I am work from home sat at a computer. Last winter I have a few days at about 10degrees (inside) and I was really cold, but on the weekend as I was more active I would come in and be in my shirt.
Sat at my WFH desk I've got some cheap wooly socks and fleece type slippers a size too big.
I have not great circulation so don't wrap up tight!
Layer up yes but don't restrict blood flow. Keep it loose, with air gaps.
Works really well for me.
Aldi lined crocs are brilliant and cheap.
Fingerless gloves and a wooly hat like steptoe.
Microwavable heated pad against me chest is wonderful.
British army socks in black from army/navy stores are tough and warm.
Polo necks under my jumper save me having to fanny about with a scarf in or out the house.
Has anyone mentioned heated mice if you're working from home?
Lined hiking trousers from decathlon / mountain warehouse or work trousers from Screwfix are great. Pick which you prefer the look of.
Like the Brick I've spent a lot of time working in unheated buildings, it's easy if you're moving even just a bit. But really difficult as soon as you sit down. So if you're planning to keep the heating down, then keep moving. Going out for a walk in 0C will be 'warmer' than watching TV at 15C.
Heated mice? For a minute there I though you meant like 'mad Nad's' suggestion to shove a pet up the sleeve to keep warm this winter....or up North maybe a ferret from the field next door up the trouser leg.
Its worth pointing out as above that although it's not been a common UK thing, there's loads of good cold condition work wear options from Northern US/ Canadian type markets where things like lined 'winter jeans' are definitely a thing. Once order a fleece lined pair from the Internets and they were warm but felt like someone had shoved a towel down yr trousers..the flannel lined ones are way comfier.
Reminds me of life as student up North a while back in house with little insulation and no central heating. We had to pile 5 blankets on top of a duvet to survive the night, would sit playing Xbox with our coats on seeing our breath in the air - spent most of the time down the pub or out causing trouble instead. Thought those days were done...hey ho.
When turning down water temperature - remember Legionnaires disease…?
When turning down water temperature – remember Legionnaires disease…?
Needs a weekly cycle of > 60degc
having seen WCA’s ankle after a ladder fall, the thought of trying to remove two hinges whilst lifting out a 25kg window at the top of a ladder really doesn’t appeal.
And don’t forget what’s just happened to Putin’s mate in Russia…
Our 2 year old has just began toilet training, before that we were using reusable nappies which were (roughly cleaned) then put on a rinse and then a 2.5 hour 60 degree cycle, 3 times a week. Since we've stopped doing that, our electric consumption has gone down considerably (obviously).
Which got me thinking that people could save a fair chunk of electric by soaking clothes in washing powder overnight, then washing on a shorter and lower temperature than usual, as hopefully a fair bit of the work would already have been done?
Also, we have a huge gas bill compared to most, when we hardly ever use it. A few minutes using the hob, very short showers and the washing up. From what we've learned this month, it's the short bursts from the hot tap (when washing hands etc) that seem to be eating up all the gas, as the boiler fires up, takes a while to heat the water and then takes a fair bit longer to cut out. I was always under the impression that "it's just 5 seconds of hot water so won't cost that much", but seems that I was wrong. We've stopped using the hot tap for all but essentials and it's made a huge difference to consumption.
You always end up heating more water than you realise
Heat Holders socks are great for wearing around the house over winter. My problem, when I WFH, will be my hands - wearing gloves when typing is a pain
@fuzzywuzzy - look up fingerless wrist warmers. I find these excellent for cold office work as there's no bulk between the fingers to get in the way.
e.g. https://finisterre.com/products/merino-blend-abrolhas-wrist-warmer-pine-green
but lots of cheaper fleecy alternatives around.
And don’t forget what’s just happened to Putin’s mate in Russia…
Apparently smoking kills....
IIRC they found a packet of cigarettes near his body, so case closed.
Bought a crotch warmer today. I,ll keep you posted
Fuzzywuzzy,why can't you wear fingerless gloves?You can then develop your inner steptoe.
From what we’ve learned this month, it’s the short bursts from the hot tap (when washing hands etc) that seem to be eating up all the gas, as the boiler fires up, takes a while to heat the water and then takes a fair bit longer to cut out. I was always under the impression that “it’s just 5 seconds of hot water so won’t cost that much”, but seems that I was wrong.
Where's your boiler? It'll essentially be filling all the pipes between the boiler and the tap with hot water. Most of which then just goes cold! Mine is directly above the kitchen sink fortunately. My dad, nerd that he is, has been boiling the kettle to wash the dishes for years, because he can just heat the amount of water that he needs.
Warms your hands when washing up.Non of that glove nonsense.
So who's got in a hurricane lantern, candles and/or a pile of batteries? Or do you trust this bunch of clowns to keep the lights on over the winter? Could be the toilet roll shortage all over again....
I am assuming this question is born out of the cost of living crisis. Has anyone done the maths to see what you can save by doing all the stuff like switching off standby, not putting the heating on etc? Is this going to knock 50% off the bill?
This isn’t me being a d!ck I promise, I am just trying to work out the potential saving and if it is worth the pain of owning a slanket and a onesie. I could probably Google it but it is much more fun getting shouted at on here 🙂
This, bollocks to being cold, ramp the heating up and not go to the pub anymore. I realise not everyone can do this though. And I'll probably just drag an oil-rad around with me rather than heat the entire gaff.
One of those long/thin hot water bottles is great for keeping the bed warm, even with two people in.
Best positioned between two people who lie on their sides, creating a "bridge" with the duvet.
Works even better when combined with a fleecy duvet cover and bed sheet.
Can be had for around £12
Has anyone done the maths to see what you can save by doing all the stuff like switching off standby, not putting the heating on etc? Is this going to knock 50% off the bill?
Just from watching the power consumption displayed on the smart meter it seems to me that apart from heating, hot water and cooking the other stuff is very minor. Including the fridge and dishwasher. (We have solar water heating so at least during the summer our requirements for energy are a bit reduced)
The next thing to happen if people just turn the heating off...apart from being bloody miserable...is the damage it can do to properties, particularly older ones. We all know about pipes freezing, but many older stone built construction requires a level of heat and dryness to keep the damp at bay. Damp can damage wall structures and ruin soft furnishings as well as being terrible for respiratory conditions, mould spores can start to grow on natural fibres at 70-80% humidity and the colder it is the quicker you'll be up around that...things our grandfathers probably knew about but we've forgotten with modern conveniences. You can get away with it in an outbuilding workspace, but you don't want that in your home. I keep a digital hygrometer recording max/mins in my unheated workspace now after losing a whole bunch of work to mould one cold winter, then you can keep it in check if it creeps too high.
@fettlin I’ve just ordered a metre of this for a whole £1.47, if it fits then I’ll be ordering more
So, the 1m length of replacement UPVC window seal arrived this morning, fitted like a dream and much better than the old stuff. Another 50m ordered...
