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Original poster

I can't be this cold all winter!!

162 replies

coffeetofunction · 02/11/2022 19:16

I've had to put the heating on because I'm so cold my legs and feet are painful. However I keep looking at the smart meter and know it's unaffordable to do this daily.

Heated throw and hot water bottles have not help. I have socks and slippers on, a jumper and cardigan....

OP posts:
PlantDoctor · 02/11/2022 19:20

What's the temperature inside your house currently?

Wafflefudge · 02/11/2022 19:21

Are there ways you can make the house lose less heat, are there draughts you can block?
Can you access insulation grants at all?

BHRK · 02/11/2022 19:22

Can you afford a plug in heated blanket?

Wafflefudge · 02/11/2022 19:23

My house is colder today than it has been so far but not as cold as you are describing which is why I'm wondering about draughts.
Thick curtains might help as well if you can get some free or cheap

NewBootsAndRanty · 02/11/2022 19:23

BHRK · 02/11/2022 19:22

Can you afford a plug in heated blanket?

OP already has a heated throw...

Cynderella · 02/11/2022 19:23

During the day, WFH, I'm wearing M&S thermal leggings underneath joggers. Thin wool layers on top. Thick walking socks and then heat holder socks over them. Fingerless gloves when typing when it's been cold.

Oodies are for evenings - sometimes too warm ...

ElegantlyTouched · 02/11/2022 19:24

I feel for you. I usually keep the heating off at the main controls but forgot the other day after turning it on when my dd had a bath. Was gobsmacked that the heating came on this evening - the thermostat was on its lowest point! Like you I've given up and left it on for now with the thermostat turned up.

ellieboolou · 02/11/2022 19:25

Do a mini workout, I did this yesterday as was so cold.

Original poster
coffeetofunction · 02/11/2022 19:25

I have blinds and heavy curtains downstairs, blinds and curtains upstairs. I've made draft excluders and used insulation tape.

I feel cold to touch.

My teens are in bed under quilts/weighted blankets/throws and they're still cold. Before I put the heating on you could see your breath.

I plan to get electric blankets for the children's beds.

I just don't know how I (or others) will manage through winter

OP posts:
MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel · 02/11/2022 19:27

I've just ordered myself USB heated fingerless gloves as I'm finding the backs of my hands are getting so cold they feel like they are burning, weirdly, and get so sore.

Body wise, I'm actually okay but I guess the answer is to later up. Heat the person, not the room and all that. Luckily I'm down in the south east so havent needed heat on yet, and even managed to dry clothes on the line today as it was so windy but dry.

We cant really afford heating either, but with kids in the house cant exactly live in an ice box either.

PlantDoctor · 02/11/2022 19:31

coffeetofunction · 02/11/2022 19:25

I have blinds and heavy curtains downstairs, blinds and curtains upstairs. I've made draft excluders and used insulation tape.

I feel cold to touch.

My teens are in bed under quilts/weighted blankets/throws and they're still cold. Before I put the heating on you could see your breath.

I plan to get electric blankets for the children's beds.

I just don't know how I (or others) will manage through winter

Google says you can see your breath at around 8C and below. That's much too cold for inside your house. I know it's expensive, but that's dangerously low.

It sounds like you're on a low income, so I know it's a struggle. There are emergency grants you can access for people with low incomes, which don't have to be paid back. Worth a Google as I don't know the details, but believe it's through your energy company. Try calling citizen's advice to see whether there is any other funding you might be eligible for too.

Original poster
coffeetofunction · 02/11/2022 19:32

I've just checked the temperature it's now up to 16 degrees

OP posts:
NukaColaQuantum · 02/11/2022 19:33

Me neither OP.

Single glazed and massive windows in two rooms downstairs, single glazed windows in every other room too, although normal sized. Thermal blackout curtains came with one of the windows only, the rest are normal curtains/blinds because I can’t afford to buy them.

Condensation on the windows all the time. No point in a dehumidifier because I can’t afford one for every room nor to run them!

Rented so can’t do anything about the windows myself.

Boiler is new but the radiators are all small, old and in weird positions.

The internal doors all have glass in and are old as balls.

Smart meter being installed in the next few weeks, which will no doubt cause me even more anxiety when I can see the cost of it that way.

Wafflefudge · 02/11/2022 19:35

I know you'd still need to buy it and pay running costs but you don't need a dehumidifier in each room, they cover a big area and you can move from room to room.

Wafflefudge · 02/11/2022 19:36

I've read on mumsnet about some film you can put on Windows to stop heat escaping.

notmyrealmoniker · 02/11/2022 19:36

My house if 16 degrees first thing in the morning and i can't see my breathe. Heating not on at the moment and I'm warm with my dressing gown on.

PestorPeston · 02/11/2022 19:39

Unless it is very damp and unventilated, it has to get to about 7.5C before you can see your breath.

Do you air your house?

safetyfreak · 02/11/2022 19:42

I find this hard to believe, it is still quite warm out there.

tealandteal · 02/11/2022 19:42

Is there anything that can be done about making the house retain heat better? Mine is 18.4 currently and the heating hasn’t come on yet. I do have a dehumidifier which I run in our bedroom (large windows and lots of condensation). It is very efficient and is designed for a number of rooms. This really helps the air feel warmer although appreciate it is an initial outlay.

bellac11 · 02/11/2022 19:43

You cant see breath at 16 degrees.

MrsCarson · 02/11/2022 19:43

I had friends who used to put that plastic stuff over the single glazed windows and you shrink it with a hairdryer once it's fastened on the frame. They left it on all winter them pulled it off when the weather got warm.
It was this, might have been a different brand. Insulation film

A580Hojas · 02/11/2022 19:43

What is the temperature outside where you are OP?

I live in the softy south where seasonal temps are way above average. We have had the heating on for a few hours here and there and live in a drafty Victorian house with very large rooms and high ceilings.

I have sheepskin slippers that go up round the ankle and an Oodie. We aren't freezing yet. But maybe it's very different outdoors where you are.

Original poster
coffeetofunction · 02/11/2022 19:43

It wasn't 16 degrees when I caved and put the heating on... I feel so guilty the kids were complaining about being cold knowing we could see our breath.

I know I'm not the only one in this situation.

I've been doing my uni lectures from home today and I was sat in a coat and hat.

It's depressing knowing I work and I'm trying to better my life and can't keep family warm

OP posts:
bellac11 · 02/11/2022 19:44

Where are you living that its 8 degrees in your house during the day (which is presumably when you put the heating on)

NukaColaQuantum · 02/11/2022 19:44

safetyfreak · 02/11/2022 19:42

I find this hard to believe, it is still quite warm out there.

Cool, glad you’ve no clue what it’s like to live in a house where you’re shivering even with thermal leggings, knee high socks, several top layers and an Oodie on.

I haven’t been this cold since in my entire adult life, because until this year, I lived in energy efficient, well insulated new builds.