I woke up to ice inside the windows this morning

[iceyniceyspicey]

Single glazed house with loads of windows. Freezing as can be. We don't even have central heating, just some archaic vent system and no fireplace or chimney.

I have electric blankets on 2 beds (so we are sleeping together for warmth) and I put sheets over the bottom bunk bed like a den for warmth. throws on every bed (thank you charity shop! I even asked around and got an extra quilt for the settee) we don't have carpet, only in one bedroom and we kept the cut offs for next to my bed (like a runner) and a small mat downstairs.
make shift draught excluders made from old clothes stuffed inside pillowcases.
I hang coats on the back door and lift the mat up to help the edges of the door stop being so draughty.
we bought an airfryer to jeep costs down but now we can't use the heat from the oven (with a broken door that has to be propped shut. but it cane with the house so it's good enough for now)

it's so cold and my toddler refuses socks and lately trousers too! I have a pair of fleece lined overalls for nursery kids to play in the mud. I forget what they are called and I tried to keep him in that but he is so upset pulling it off.
he pulls his socks off and it's freezing (his first proper words aww rolling eyes)

Every window has terrible condensation. Soaking water droplets all over every single one. it takes 3 towels to do upstairs and I have to open the windows to air it out.
Dehumidifiers are out of stock except 300 with I can't afford right now. I need a new oven more anyway!

i feel like a real failure.
Me and my dh spent the last almost 10 years saving up for this house. living in a tiny horrible flat to save on rent. no holidays or driving or luxuries and we managed it.
now the prices are going up and up I can't see us being able to replace the windows for years. I'm wary of debt too, his job isn't as secure as it was pre covid.

just here to rant really

True, and if you have single glazing, the windows are where the condensation will form. I used to go round all my windows every morning to wipe it away each winter. And this was even the case in a warm cosy home. There is absolutely no point in opening windows; the air outside is cold and damp and it will just make your house even colder.

You sound as if you have a warm air heating system similar to mine, except mine also heats 2 of the bedrooms (not the 3rd or the bathroom). I would recommend oil filled electric radiators for your bedrooms. There may be schemes for improved loft insulation; I got mine done and it wasn’t means tested.

Regarding washing, maybe make clothes and bedding last a little longer. Also give it a second spin. I discovered this week that the washing machine I’ve had for 7 years has a 1400 spin which is not part of any of the wash programs - who knew? And on dry windy days washing really does almost dry outside. You just need to finish it off on the clothes horse.

You could also try a dehumidifier - they also generate a bit of heat.

Bloody hell, it's like the 1970s.

Try insulating the windows with a film of plastic. Don't let your toddler poke a hole in it like I did. Thick curtains from the charity shop.

Special kids company sells escape resistant onesies for Sen children but would work on a toddler.

Also my lad wore tights when small. He was a sock flinger as well. Mind you he is bare foot and just wearing a t shirt and joggers still.