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[Beth]

someone has probably mentioned this but what about cayenne? I have always gotten cold easier than everyone else in the family. The house we live in now is in the middle of being finished so we don't have central heat yet. We have a wood stove (which is lovely to stand next to and warm up!) but our house can be chilly out away from the stove. What I have found is dressing warmly (layers) and taking cayenne internally. I am so much warmer. But I doubt you could make that work for children.
    I read somewhere, I think it was Shoshanna Easling , abour sprinkling a little cayenne on your feet before putting on your socks. Important to remember the word little! I put too much on my husbands feet and they burning up all day. He won't let me do it again. It will also stain light socks. But if you are going to be in the snow all day or something wear some dark socks and a little (repeat a little) cayenne sprinkled on your feet. It really does work.   

[boysmama]

Beth, we put the cayenne, just a little, in the boots or shoes instead of inside the socks. That helps keep the cayenne from creating hot spots on the skin.

[herbalmom]

I thought I would bump this thread in light of our newest heating bill. 

The house we rent is a '40s house w/plaster walls. The plaster absorbs the heat right out of the room. We have actually lived here for over a year but it used to be split into a up/down duplex & we had the upstairs. Now we rent the whole house & got a BIG surprise when we got the last gas bill.  The first floor bill ran about twice what the upstairs did. The first floor has a different heater & water heater & they are older than the ones for the second floor so that's some of it but no all of it.  Mostly it's the fact there are over twice the sq footage in windows on the first floor compared to the second floor & the walls are taller on the first floor so there's more wall sq. footage to suck the heat out of the room. Add in the typical air leaks & drafts in an old house & you get a high gas bill. 

So here's some of the things we are going to do to help keep the heat in on the first floor. We had started with some of the things on this thread but life has been crazy & we hadn't gotten it all done yet. We are came up with more things to do which is what I'm posting here. 

We recently got a bunch of bookcases free through Craig's List (& I have A LOT of books) so we are going to place them along the walls that are losing the most heat. Decorate & insulate at the same time. 

We are adding wood blinds (thank you Lord for the 'free' section of Craig's List) to the windows that don't have them (or until I run out of blinds) to help slow heat loss through the windows.

Add shrink film &/or bubble wrap to more of the windows

Add drapes (again, gotten free from CL) to some windows that have blinds/shades w/out curtains on them now.

Add some solid window valences to windows. Originally, valences were solid (including sides & tops) & were used to keep the heat from near the ceiling from being drawn behind the drapes cooling it off to fall to the floor to just pull more air from the ceiling. W/out a valence you get a continuous loop of room air getting behind the curtains cooling off.  We have extra wood from the extra bookcase & will be using that but they can be made from cardboard as well & covered with decorative paper or fabric.

We have done caulking around the house but we have found a bunch of spots we missed before that need caulked. It's supposed to be in the 50's this weekend so maybe we will be able to do some of it then.

Since we rent we can't do as much as we could if we owned. One thing we have been able to do is to use thin foam (we had some of the 1/8" foam used under certain types of flooring) to stuff into the cracks around the house. Around an old door that isn't used & is screwed shut, windows that swing inward that we don't open in the winter, etc. We folded it in half & used a grocery store card to stuff it into the cracks. We also took folded strips of it & used it along the bottom edge of some double hung windows. We just closed the windows down on it. It helps until we have a chance to get the normal stuff you use on windows. 

Recently we needed a temp sub for our mattress pad (we have a feather bed so we have to keep a mattress pad or something on it- DH doesn't like the feel of feathers through the sheet) & discovered by accident that a WOOL blanket under the bottom sheet really makes the bed warmer.

We are also planning to hang some cheap blankets (acrylic Kmart/WM specials) on the wall in our entry/stair well that leads to the upstairs. The main wall is on the North side & it gets COLD which pulls the heat out of other rooms. The idea is that the blankets don't absorb the heat from the room like the plaster walls do so by hanging blankets along the walls it will cut down on the room heat being pulled out through the walls. I have a bunch of fancy tablecloths & other linens that I have collected over the years but are packed in a box right now so to fancy it up I'm going to pin them to the blankets. We are also going to hang blankets on the doorways that lead in/out of this stairway- I don't want to put the doors back on b/c this is our stairway from the downstairs to the upstairs & we use it A LOT all day long. There are 3 doors leading into/out of this stairwell (not counting the exterior door that leads outside or the door to the basement-those two door are obviously staying put & have been weather stripped, etc.) & having them open & close all day makes A LOT of noise not to mention the animals move freely from one floor to another.   

Fortunately my kids are older & can help do all of this esp since DH is back to working the job with the very long hours.   

Maybe someone else can get some ideas from the things we are doing. Blessings ~herbalmom

[denim&lace]

Back when I was a kid we lived in a house that my Daddy had built from a couple of old barns.  It was heated with one big fireplace in the living room and in places you could see through knot holes in the floor or the wall.  It was drafty and cold...  one of the things I remember Dad doing was banking around the outside of the house with bales of hay.  Back then hay was cheaper than it is now.  But you may get some for free if you ask around and some farmer has some that has gotten moldy.  It's certainly no good for feed. 

[rejoicing]

We have moved to  a warmer house this year, but those chilly days are still fresh in my mind!  I know so much has been mentioned already, but I just wanted to give you some specific tips that might help you. We left the upstairs thermostat off during the day and let the heat rise from the downstairs. Then we would just turn it on really low at night.  Keep it as low as your family can stand it, to help save costs.  Baking helps, too.  We also got a small electric space heater from Sam's Club and on extra cold days/nights we gathered around it in the Living room. If you can find just one small heater, it can make a HUGE difference! Hope you stay warm!

[herbalmom]

I just thought of another hint. High Lycra content tights can fit a large range of sizes. I used to get tights with something like 12% Lycra when I wore a 3X & was surprised to realize that they could fit something like a kid's size 10-12 as well. They come out of the package very small for their intended size & stretch to fit. My boys have been known to wear plain black ones under their clothes in really cold weather.  Layer tights, long johns (or leggings) & pants & your legs are warm but can still move around. HTH Blessings ~herbalmom

[herbalmom]

It's getting that time of year again. Bump. Anyone have any new ideas/info?

[Gabriel Anast]

If wood is a cheap alternative for you (it usually is), this particular stove can usually be found quite cheaply (less than $500):

Jotul 602. These have been made forever, and are a brilliant design. They put out a lot of heat over a long period of time and seem to be extremely efficient at getting all the heat they produce into the living space.

Here is a picture of the older style:

http://www.jeffdeutsch.com/albums/20011224/13_s.jpg

...you often hear them described as "Jotul Moose stoves" because for years then cast a scene that included two moose on the side.

As far as I can tell, these are the first stoves to have an efficient "re-combustion" chamber built in.

If the stove you find through the paper or craigslist or whatever is not in the best condition, it is usually very easy for the "average guy" to take it apart, re-cement (stove cement is readily available at your local hardware store) it and have it ready to burn in a day or two.

If the Jotul is out of budget... a really cool, fun and energy saving homeschool project might be to build a rocket stove. You can usually build on for about $50 in materials.

Search youtube for "rocket stove," and look at the "mass heater" and "brick" examples.

I might move this thread to UE if it gets more active... just so you know where to look for it.

--gabe

[FarmWife]

Our house is VERY cold.  Last winter was the coldest and lasted the longest of any I remember.  My floors are just plain old cement.  They are a blessing in the summer, but in the winter, they make the house even colder.  Our only heat is a wood cookstove.  When it is bitter cold, I often end up doing a lot of things by the stove.  I have a rocker there and it is my favorite place. 

I also do something I call my second skin.  I wear a pair of leggings or thin knit pants under my dress.  I also have a long sleeve shirt that is tucked into the pants.  I bought wool socks and put them on and pull them up over the bottom of the pants.  This keeps me pretty toasty.  I can also add a sweater or sweatshirt as needed.  I find if my feet are warm, I stay warmer.  Invest in some good socks or make them.  I wear warm slippers as well. 

We also got (it was a gift from someone) one of those fans that sit on your stove.  The heat is what makes them work.  http://www.lehmans.com/store/Stoves___Hearth_Accessories___Heat_Powered_Fans___Wood_Stove___88510?Args=

You don't even really feel a breeze from it, but it really helps spread the heat out in the house.  We really noticed a difference. 

Also, draft stoppers are fairly easy to make.  Just make long tubes and fill with sand, or rice or something. 

[BJ_BOBBI_JO]

I know this will seem old fashion and it seems most modern day folks dont wanna do it but ya gotta do what ya gotta do like they did in the old days if ya dont have the means to heat your home fully.

And that is to move the sleeping quarters into 1 room near the heat source during the ultra cold months. And shut off the unused portions of the house.

For example once it gets ultra cold here we will move the mattresses downstairs into the living room where the wood burning stove is and shut off the upstiars. That way we will not have to heat the upstairs and will be able to have more heat downstairs. Sure it gets crowded and cramped and we all get in eachothers way but ya gotta do what ya gotta do to stay warm.

[rainygladness]

Sounds cozy and fun, BJ. 
I wonder though since heat rises, if one had a good heat sourse upstairs it might work the other way around by shutting off the down stairs (cold decends) and snuggling together upstairs.  Just a thought. 

[BJ_BOBBI_JO]

But then the pipes downstairs like the kitchen, bathroom and laundry would freeze. With the newer homes I think it would be harder to close off certain sections of the house since they tend to have bathrooms on both levels of the house and open stair ways that cant really be closed off, I guess for that reason I can be glad to live in an older house. For us we literaly have to move to where ever the pipes are since they need heat. During the bitter cold months not even the electric pipe tape can keep them warm enough.

I read in the farmers almanic that el nino will cause some weird things this winter for north America.

The estern states will have more snow then normal.

The great lakes region (me) will have mostly dry ultra bitter cold.

I forget the other regions but it was warmer then normal for some states. A weird mix of weather for the winter for North America.

[rainygladness]

But then the pipes downstairs like the kitchen, bathroom and laundry would freeze. With the newer homes I think it would be harder to close off certain sections of the house since they tend to have bathrooms on both levels of the house and open stair ways that cant really be closed off, I guess for that reason I can be glad to live in an older house.

Ah, that is true.    Older houses can be real gems.  The house we are currently living in was built in 2005 and last year was our first winter in it.  Before we bought it, we wondered why there was a "free" 5 ft tall stack of insulation in the garage, but the realtors said they didn't know.    We found out the hard way when the winter temps dropped below zero and our pipes froze.  Seems the builder forgot to insulate most of the house.  Fun times!
I hope it doesn't get as cold here as it did last year when temps hit 40 below zero!  I did find a reason to be glad about the frigid, snowy winters here - it's the only time of year when the mosquitoes aren't a problem!   

[kamom]

 Feather blankets are really much warmer then regular blankets and can be found real cheap at the Good will or Salvation Army. Last year I made a flannel cover for a feather blanket. Talk about warm!

[ladyhen]

Feather blankets are really much warmer then regular blankets and can be found real cheap at the Good will or Salvation Army. Last year I made a flannel cover for a feather blanket. Talk about warm!

Oh my!   That sounds just wonderful!     
I have made quite a few flannel quilts for our household with scraps and 'On Sale' flannel.  These quilts are put over our down comforters for a warm and cozy bed.     Wouldn't be too difficult to make a flannel cover for a comforter using flat sheets.    Hmmmm?

[kamom]

  That's what I used, a flannel sheet and on one side a cozy thermal blanket. Then stuff in the feather comforter. You could easy put a row of buttons on one end. I put in a looong zipper.  The room has to be very cold to tolerate this. We had our bedroom door closed during the day to save on heat, so it got really cold. My problem was how to get in and under it, it was such a cold shock. Then once you were under it,in a few minutes, it was cozy!

[ladyhen]

How To Pre-Warm Your Bed    *you're gonna love this!*

I made large (about 8" x 8") bean bags for each bed.  (You can use rice, dry corn, or any dry bean)  For covers for the bean bags we find that a heavy upholstery fabric seems to work best.  Also have found that it is a good idea to make a muslin bean bag and then cover with the heavier fabric.  This saves you from having beans or rice leaking through popped stitches into your bed.   

Warm your beanbags in the microwave for a few minutes and toss the warm bag into the foot of your bed a few minutes before bedtime.  Great to cozy your feet or whatever else is cold up to that warm bag! 

You can also warm them on a cookie sheet in a warm (NOT hot!) oven or on a hearth.

My husband possibly loves his beanbag more than ME when the cold winds blow in January.   

[kamom]

 ladyhen, That does sound like a great idea!  I thought of tucking in a heating pad before bed  time.

[rejoicing]

Get pregnant...I am rarely cold these days, got a built in heater! LOL! 

[AndysJess]

Get pregnant...I am rarely cold these days, got a built in heater! LOL! 

That is so true Rejoicing!!  I'm 12 weeks and can't stay cool enough!  We live in AZ, so we are just now starting to turn the a/c off and open windows.  I'm dreading the day my hubby decides it's cold enough to turn on the heater.

[denim&lace]

Hey Jess!  Did I miss the announcement? 

CONGRATULATIONS!

[AndysJess]

Thanks D&L...it was a surprise, but we are so happy!  I'm due sometime in May.

[herbalmom]

About ten years ago, DH and I watched some videos by a man who claimed to be a cold-weather survivalist.  He said something to the effect of:  Houses don’t mind being cold.  People do.  So, warm up the people, not necessarily the house.  It’s cheaper to warm people and, then, people can ‘be warm’ wherever they go (in or out of the house)! 

One of the videos showed how to make inner thermal liners out of a pajama pattern, ½-inch, open-cell, polyurethane foam, and mesh-material covering with Velcro or snap closures.  Soon, everyone in our family had inner thermal liners that were worn under our clothes.  They really worked!  They’re hilarious, but they’re great!  You look a little bit like a parade balloon … but you’re comfortable, mobile, and warm.

I can’t remember the guy’s name right now but I’ll as DH about it.

How about this:  Jim Phillips at http://www.jimsway.com/aabout1.html

Sorry, I just saw this and, yes, that was him.  Thanks bluestripe. 

I was checking out Jim Phillips website & can't find the video on how to make your own. Can you post a link to the video? TIA. Blessings ~herbalmom

[Amy Joy]

I went to the link and couldn't find it either.  Not even a DVD for sale... 

What we watched was actually an old (then newly-produced) VHS tape.  If I remember correctly, Jim Phillips actually sat down at the sewing machine (and at the cutting table) and went through the entire process.  Sewing foam is a little bit tricky.  The half-inch is MUCH easier to work with than the one-inch, of course.

It may be a futile effort, but I will dig through boxes sometime next week.  If I find it, I'll post more.  I may have loaned it to someone and you KNOW you never remember who you loaned things to after time passes, haha.

[herbalmom]

I found a few videos from Jim Phillips on YouTube but not one on making your own thermal liners. I'm not that good at finding stuff on YouTube though. Can anyone else find it & post a link?

[SC lady]

Are these the series you referred to?
http://www.preparemyfamily.com/?page_id=899
The DVD's are labeled"
DVD #1 - FOUNDATIONS - Your True Needs and Priorities
DVD #2 - Having The Right Clothing
DVD #6 - Ready, Set... Evacuate
Audio CD #1 - Your Next Step
Audio CD #2: Living in Winter w/o Heat

This same site offers helps on making your own insulated thermal clothing (you have to purchase):
http://www.preparemyfamily.com/?page_id=918

I'm not certain, but I think this is Jim Phillips current site?

[Amy Joy]

Are these the series you referred to?

Yes, indeedie!  We watched the entire series in VHS, back in the day.

This same site offers helps on making your own insulated thermal clothing (you have to purchase):
http://www.preparemyfamily.com/?page_id=918

I predict one particular item on that link is the re-make of the VHS that I was talking about:
Making the ITL™: DVD only

I'm not certain, but I think this is Jim Phillips current site?

 
Yep, it sure is - or, at least, it's one of his websites.  Glad you found it!

Our years of personal experience with the ITL has "sold us" on it.  My personal opinion is: They really work! 

[herbalmom]

It's getting that time of year to bump the thread again & I just thought of a couple hints.

If you need to caulk, now is a good time before it starts getting really cold. Caulk around all the cracks you can, inside & out.

Low to the floor beds are colder. We use futons exclusively for beds in our house & some futon frames put the mattress surface at only 8-11" or so off the floor where the air is colder. If you use futons, a frame where the mattress surface is at 15-18" is much better than a low frame. 

Storing things under the bed will help some also. Helps keep the cold air from moving around under the bed as much slowly pulling the heat from the bed. This is more of an issue with reg mattresses than futons- futons are so thick & dense & if they are covered in cotton they don't get cold as easily as synthetic fabric covered mattresses do.

Make a rice (or other grain- we used cheap, white rice) bag to set your bare feet on top of when you come in from outside with cold feet. Or to use anytime your feet are cold.

The fastest way to make one is to take an old pillowcase, dump some rice in & tie or use a hair band (the type WITHOUT metal in it) to fasten it shut. Then nuke it in a micro when needed to warm your feet. Don't fill it tight- you want your feet to be able to nestle a little bit into it like your head does in a pillow. Years ago my DH worked outside in winter & work was near my mom's house while we lived about 20 miles away. He was working long shifts, 8 hrs off & back to work type shifts so he would often go to my mom's between shifts so he could get more sleep. He would come in to her house still really cold from work, she would nuke the rice bag for a couple minutes while he took his shoes & socks off, he would sit down with his feet on the bag, wrap up in a blanket & he would warm up much quicker. A second bag for the top of your feet would do it even faster but we didn't think of it at the time. She had a tube one as well (which can be a tube sock with rice in it) for the neck & sometimes he would use that around his neck as well. 

Soaking your feet in a tub of warm water works as well but this was pre cell phone days & it wasn't convenient to call to tell her he was on his way. Nuking the rice bag was much faster than messing with water when she didn't know when he would be there until he walked in her door.  Besides, since at that job he sometimes worked double back to back shifts he was trying to get his feet dry as quickly as possible after being in shoes for so long.

HTH Blessings ~herbalmom

[GarlicMomma]

We second the bags to warm you up.  I have bought a few from this company:
http://www.comfortcuddler.com/shopping.html
They really seem to help. The company's version is made with seed corn I think.  It is my modern version of a warming bed pan. They do cool down as the night goes on, but we are usually asleep long before then.

[GarlicMomma]

Forgot to add that we use fingerless gloves around here during the colder months. It gives us dexterity but keeps our palms and wrists warm. Most come with a mitten-like cover to flip down over your fingers.

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