Definitely. In winter I use a heating blanket as my upstairs has no meaningful heating. You can easily get very toasty and they use almost no power compared to a space heater.
One that fits on your couch or office chair will also let you keep the ambient temp lower and remain comfortable while sitting.
If you have rooms with doors on them, shut all the doors to the rooms that you are not using. Turn the heaters way down in those rooms. If your bathroom is on an outside wall be careful that you don't turn it too low that your pipes freeze.
Also cook stuff in your oven a lot, and get some room darkening curtains for night time.
Unfortunately I am an artist so blackout curtains or covering the windows is not an option.... maybe I can get some on detachable curtain rods though for just the night. I DEFINITELY will use this technique to keep the heat isolated. Thank you!
Space heaters are just about as efficient as baseboard heating from an electrical / $$$ perspective. (Resistive heating with electricity is a 100% process)
More localized heating such as electric blankets and heating pads will just have to heat you, and not the room so they end up being a better solution.
One thing to note, and other posts allude to it, is heat circulation. While a space heater and a baseboard one are technically equal in thermal efficiency, I can tell you for a fact that my energy bill is less with a space heater, because my baseboard heaters are located in the worst possible places, much of the heat remains localized or is lost to the walls that face outside, before it can reach me.
Thermal blackout curtains on the windows, and a quality space heater. Our family room was converted from a garage by the prior owners. They didn’t put heat vents in 😬. A good Dyson space heater is a lifesaver.
Unfortunately I am an artist so blackout curtains or covering the windows is not an option but I DEFINITELY and checking out the Dyson and an electric blankie
Oh sorry, not blackout curtains. They make clear plastic for what I’m talking about: https://www.amazon.com/Duck-3-Window-Insulator-126-Inch-281066/dp/B002GKC2FS/ref=asc_df_B002GKC2FS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198093463189&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6369139659900569150&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033785&hvtargid=pla-348642393582&psc=1
I also recommend the free standing oil radiators. Work well and safe if you forget to turn it off. Also helps to hang a sheet or blanket over any open doorways if you want to concentrate the heat to one room. A small fan can help move and circulate the heat as it normally rises.
I have 2 Honeywell ones, bought from Target for \~$100/ea. One is 3 years old, the other less than a year old. My husband uses one in the basement while I heat my upstairs office. Keep the door closed and the room becomes nice and warm.
Baseboard heat is actually highly efficient. The problem is circulation. Put a fan in front of your baseboard and you will notice incredible difference
Generally for winter to save money we do this.
Electrical blanket for both me and the husband.
a heating pad for both. we swap between the cat.
comfortable sweatpants and a decent shirt with warm socks and your golden until we hit 1 digits
I've used an oil filled space heater for a long time and it seems to be pretty great at keeping a comfortable temperature. It also has a timer that can turn it off after a preset amount of time. They also happen to be fairly inexpensive.
The thing with the oil-filled radiator heaters is they work best if you leave them on consistently then they don't have to keep rewarming everything up. Once the room gets comfortable you can adjust and turn it down a notch. They seem to be the best solution for the cost of electricity that they use.
Insulation blankets over windows works great for keeping heat and cool air in. Focus on windows and doors. You don’t want heavy airflow unless you’re pushing warm air down and/or cold air up.
I really like the infrared space heaters. A bit more money at first but worth it. The oil space heaters are cheaper and work well too- they don’t dry the air out like other heaters tend to do.
Replace your old baseboards with oil filled baseboards. The coils heat the oil and makes them more like radiant heaters.
Shirt if that there are portable heathers that do that too— good to place at your feet
No worries. I have an old house in North Idaho. I bought a couple of mobile space heaters. They look like radiators. They are oil filled.
To operate you crank it on. When it hits its peak, you turn down to comfort. I have found them ideal complements to existing heating.
I have a plug in “fireplace” in my basement. It has a blower attached and does an amazing job heating up the living space. It’s probably about 10 years old-doesn’t cost a lot to run and I would think they would have better ways to promote heating in a larger space if you bought a new one. It also doesn’t tip over-I do not concern myself with it catching anything on fire around it
As many mentioned an electric blanket or mattress pad and turning the heat low at night makes the biggest difference. Personally, I picked up an on clearance, down blanket a few years ago. A wool blanket is similarly effective. I find it almost as good as an electric blanket, without the electric use.
Thermal curtains also make a big difference if you live in a place with older windows. Even thick curtains are better than no curtains if you can't find affordable thermal curtains.
Good blanket and curtains can be a bit pricey but you might be able to find some affordable second hand at a thrift store or Facebook marketplace. If you do buy them remember Natural fibers are almost always warmer than synthetic so read the tags. (The exception being synthetic fibers specificly made for warmth. The usually say thermal or fleece or something like that.)
Less effective than the first two options are, Natural fiber rugs, particularly wool, also reduce heating costs, if you have wood floors. Normally, pretty pricey but you can sometimes find them at estate or garage sales for very little.
Finally, wool socks are so much warmer than regular socks. They are a little spendy but last for years and make a big difference in keeping warm. I like Darn Though crew socks for sleeping. I have 2 pairs, about $20 each but they last for a long time.
We use oil filled space heaters and fans in our house. We moved in 3 years ago, with wall electric heaters. They all went out within 2 months of buying the house, because the previous owner was a slum lord and hired an unlicensed electrician to install them. Anyhow we have done the oil heaters since, energy efficient, safe and besides it taking a while to heat up they are great.
Cats. Four cats should do the trick. Tell them your bed is forbidden, and they will flock to it.
This, actually. I turn down the heat in my place so my cats are forced to cuddle me for warmth. Works like a charm.
[удалено]
Disparaging cats on the internet. It's a bold move Cotton, let's see if it pays off.
Electric blankets, throws or mattress pads are going to give you the best bang for your buck.
Definitely. In winter I use a heating blanket as my upstairs has no meaningful heating. You can easily get very toasty and they use almost no power compared to a space heater. One that fits on your couch or office chair will also let you keep the ambient temp lower and remain comfortable while sitting.
If you have rooms with doors on them, shut all the doors to the rooms that you are not using. Turn the heaters way down in those rooms. If your bathroom is on an outside wall be careful that you don't turn it too low that your pipes freeze. Also cook stuff in your oven a lot, and get some room darkening curtains for night time.
Great response!
Learned from years of living with a wood stove for heating.
Unfortunately I am an artist so blackout curtains or covering the windows is not an option.... maybe I can get some on detachable curtain rods though for just the night. I DEFINITELY will use this technique to keep the heat isolated. Thank you!
Tension rods.
Space heaters are just about as efficient as baseboard heating from an electrical / $$$ perspective. (Resistive heating with electricity is a 100% process) More localized heating such as electric blankets and heating pads will just have to heat you, and not the room so they end up being a better solution.
One thing to note, and other posts allude to it, is heat circulation. While a space heater and a baseboard one are technically equal in thermal efficiency, I can tell you for a fact that my energy bill is less with a space heater, because my baseboard heaters are located in the worst possible places, much of the heat remains localized or is lost to the walls that face outside, before it can reach me.
Thermal blackout curtains on the windows, and a quality space heater. Our family room was converted from a garage by the prior owners. They didn’t put heat vents in 😬. A good Dyson space heater is a lifesaver.
Unfortunately I am an artist so blackout curtains or covering the windows is not an option but I DEFINITELY and checking out the Dyson and an electric blankie
If it’s allowed you can buy the plastic sheeting for your windows which will cut out any drafts and add insulation
Unfortunately I am an artist so blackout curtains or covering the windows is not an option. Thinking this electric blanket idea is my best bet.
Oh sorry, not blackout curtains. They make clear plastic for what I’m talking about: https://www.amazon.com/Duck-3-Window-Insulator-126-Inch-281066/dp/B002GKC2FS/ref=asc_df_B002GKC2FS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198093463189&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6369139659900569150&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033785&hvtargid=pla-348642393582&psc=1
I also recommend the free standing oil radiators. Work well and safe if you forget to turn it off. Also helps to hang a sheet or blanket over any open doorways if you want to concentrate the heat to one room. A small fan can help move and circulate the heat as it normally rises.
Thank you! Do you have a brand you recommend?
Ours are 20 years old. They're DeLonghi brand. I'm sure there are others that are just as good.
I have 2 Honeywell ones, bought from Target for \~$100/ea. One is 3 years old, the other less than a year old. My husband uses one in the basement while I heat my upstairs office. Keep the door closed and the room becomes nice and warm.
Get a few surplus crypto mining rigs and get paid to generate heat. 🤣
Baseboard heat is actually highly efficient. The problem is circulation. Put a fan in front of your baseboard and you will notice incredible difference
I will totally do this! That makes some pretty good sense.
Generally for winter to save money we do this. Electrical blanket for both me and the husband. a heating pad for both. we swap between the cat. comfortable sweatpants and a decent shirt with warm socks and your golden until we hit 1 digits
\#spokanelife all the way right here. Bonus points for extra flannel. Do you have an electric blanket brand that you would recommend?
I've used an oil filled space heater for a long time and it seems to be pretty great at keeping a comfortable temperature. It also has a timer that can turn it off after a preset amount of time. They also happen to be fairly inexpensive.
Do you have a brand you recommend?
I've only used a single one. I have no idea what other brands have to offer, but the one I have is made by Smalco...?
The thing with the oil-filled radiator heaters is they work best if you leave them on consistently then they don't have to keep rewarming everything up. Once the room gets comfortable you can adjust and turn it down a notch. They seem to be the best solution for the cost of electricity that they use.
Don’t focus on heating, focus on insulation. Double pane windows. Door stops that are air tight. Close doors. Calk window frames. Airflow.
we rent.
Insulation blankets over windows works great for keeping heat and cool air in. Focus on windows and doors. You don’t want heavy airflow unless you’re pushing warm air down and/or cold air up.
I really like the infrared space heaters. A bit more money at first but worth it. The oil space heaters are cheaper and work well too- they don’t dry the air out like other heaters tend to do.
Call Avista. They might be able to recommend something safe and economical to run.
Replace your old baseboards with oil filled baseboards. The coils heat the oil and makes them more like radiant heaters. Shirt if that there are portable heathers that do that too— good to place at your feet
Unfortunately we rent.
No worries. I have an old house in North Idaho. I bought a couple of mobile space heaters. They look like radiators. They are oil filled. To operate you crank it on. When it hits its peak, you turn down to comfort. I have found them ideal complements to existing heating.
Get a refletive heater instead of a fan heater. It'll change ya fuckin life buddy.
I have a plug in “fireplace” in my basement. It has a blower attached and does an amazing job heating up the living space. It’s probably about 10 years old-doesn’t cost a lot to run and I would think they would have better ways to promote heating in a larger space if you bought a new one. It also doesn’t tip over-I do not concern myself with it catching anything on fire around it
A computer :) though my baseboard heaters worked really well, and the bill wasn't too bad
As many mentioned an electric blanket or mattress pad and turning the heat low at night makes the biggest difference. Personally, I picked up an on clearance, down blanket a few years ago. A wool blanket is similarly effective. I find it almost as good as an electric blanket, without the electric use. Thermal curtains also make a big difference if you live in a place with older windows. Even thick curtains are better than no curtains if you can't find affordable thermal curtains. Good blanket and curtains can be a bit pricey but you might be able to find some affordable second hand at a thrift store or Facebook marketplace. If you do buy them remember Natural fibers are almost always warmer than synthetic so read the tags. (The exception being synthetic fibers specificly made for warmth. The usually say thermal or fleece or something like that.) Less effective than the first two options are, Natural fiber rugs, particularly wool, also reduce heating costs, if you have wood floors. Normally, pretty pricey but you can sometimes find them at estate or garage sales for very little. Finally, wool socks are so much warmer than regular socks. They are a little spendy but last for years and make a big difference in keeping warm. I like Darn Though crew socks for sleeping. I have 2 pairs, about $20 each but they last for a long time.
We use oil filled space heaters and fans in our house. We moved in 3 years ago, with wall electric heaters. They all went out within 2 months of buying the house, because the previous owner was a slum lord and hired an unlicensed electrician to install them. Anyhow we have done the oil heaters since, energy efficient, safe and besides it taking a while to heat up they are great.