Freezing flat can't afford heating

Gasmyarse · 2022-12-15T14:29:25+00:00

Hi my daughter and grandson live in an old build flat. It's so cold that you can see your breath. I noticed there is a draft from her balcony door. So.. I'm thinking to put draft excluding in the door frame. She has double glazing but it's rubbish . So I'm thinking about the window film you can get. Is it worth getting will it make a difference? Can using window film cause damp . She has condensation on her windows and a bit of damp. If we put film on the windows She won't be able to wipe condensation and damp away . Couple things to bare in mind: She can't close the door and just Heat the room she's in. As her son has special needs. She needs to be able to hear him at all times so can't shut the doors. Don't have Dehumidifier and probably can't afford to run one. Any other general tips ? Thanks

LynneBenfield · 15/12/2022 14:37

Does she own the flat, is it privately rented or is it a social housing tenancy? Ie is there a landlord she can approach re window repairs? Window film won’t be helpful if the draughts are coming in from busted seals but it’s worth a go. I would put the sticky roll draught excluder on all windows as a temp measure.

Can she use plug in baby monitors to listen to her son? We use them for our dog (layout of our house means we can’t hear him at night without them). They don’t use much electricity at all and are really useful. That was she can close doors.

Has she applied for all of the financial help she is entitled to?

Is moving to alternative housing an option? I know that sounds like an obvious solution but just to understand her situation (is she already on a waiting list to do so or is it a different situation).

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 15/12/2022 15:03

I have a dessicant dehumidifier, it’s about 15pence an hour to run and throws out a lot of heat. I’d really recommend it if you can get hold of one second hand

msbevvy · 15/12/2022 15:15

Maybe she could get a baby monitor or Alexa type device so she can hear her son when the door is shut.

Original poster

Gasmyarse · 15/12/2022 15:19

LynneBenfield · 15/12/2022 14:37

Does she own the flat, is it privately rented or is it a social housing tenancy? Ie is there a landlord she can approach re window repairs? Window film won’t be helpful if the draughts are coming in from busted seals but it’s worth a go. I would put the sticky roll draught excluder on all windows as a temp measure.

Can she use plug in baby monitors to listen to her son? We use them for our dog (layout of our house means we can’t hear him at night without them). They don’t use much electricity at all and are really useful. That was she can close doors.

Has she applied for all of the financial help she is entitled to?

Is moving to alternative housing an option? I know that sounds like an obvious solution but just to understand her situation (is she already on a waiting list to do so or is it a different situation).

Shes in council . There is no option of moving. Shes not been there a year yet. She was housed due to domestic violence I doubt council will do anything they don't care . ( no harm trying though)

The baby monitor won't work. As its to do with his running about in and out every room constantly so doors are open

Oh I thought the window films were to help stop draughts ?

OP posts:

ChessieFL · 15/12/2022 15:22

What about big long curtains in front of the draughty door?

Original poster

Gasmyarse · 15/12/2022 15:25

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 15/12/2022 15:03

I have a dessicant dehumidifier, it’s about 15pence an hour to run and throws out a lot of heat. I’d really recommend it if you can get hold of one second hand

Ah I will take a look. I never knew they gave out heat. Do they all do that ?

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Original poster

Gasmyarse · 15/12/2022 15:26

ChessieFL · 15/12/2022 15:22

What about big long curtains in front of the draughty door?

Yes will definitely do that.

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LynneBenfield · 15/12/2022 15:26

I’m sorry to hear about her history, I hope she and her son are safe now.

The film will only reduce heat dissipation through the glass. If the draughts are coming in through poorly fitting windows then the film won’t help with that. The cheap sticky foam excluder stuff will though as it will help to fill the gap.

Has she tried writing to her MP / visiting them in a local surgery re repairs? That may well help her with getting things done.

Original poster

Gasmyarse · 15/12/2022 15:36

LynneBenfield · 15/12/2022 15:26

I’m sorry to hear about her history, I hope she and her son are safe now.

The film will only reduce heat dissipation through the glass. If the draughts are coming in through poorly fitting windows then the film won’t help with that. The cheap sticky foam excluder stuff will though as it will help to fill the gap.

Has she tried writing to her MP / visiting them in a local surgery re repairs? That may well help her with getting things done.

Yes going to get some of the sticky foam stuff. I'm going to check the windows again as the draught could be just coming from the door . So I will do the door then check the windows again.

And yes she's safe thank you

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TheChurchOfEli · 15/12/2022 15:37

Gasmyarse · 15/12/2022 15:25

Ah I will take a look. I never knew they gave out heat. Do they all do that ?

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It’s not heat it’s just slightly warm air, I notice a slight difference in the room that has the dehumidifier in but I find the dehumidifier not that effective when the doors are open tbh.

very cheap to run and excellent for drying close and reducing the water in the air after that.

Original poster

Gasmyarse · 15/12/2022 16:22

TheChurchOfEli · 15/12/2022 15:37

It’s not heat it’s just slightly warm air, I notice a slight difference in the room that has the dehumidifier in but I find the dehumidifier not that effective when the doors are open tbh.

very cheap to run and excellent for drying close and reducing the water in the air after that.

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Oh ok thank you

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