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The Life and Mind of DamnBlackHeart
This is to help me stay actively writing. So expect to see rants, tips on writing, thoughts on subjects, me complaining of boredom, reviews, anime, movies, video games, conventions, tv shows and whatever life throws at me.
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Freezing Cold? Here Are Ways To Stay Warm Without A Heater |
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I was bored and figure I might as well look up ways to stay warm without a heater and to see if there's something I haven't done yet. Hm, so this is what I found. If anyone reads this I hope you find it useful or something.
1. Close all of your windows properly. This includes making sure storm windows are installed and closed in place if you have them. Windows should be latched. Open them during the day if the outside temperature is higher than the inside.
2. Keep your windows air-tight. You may want to purchase removable window-caulk or plastic to better seal them. At a minimum, stuff a towel or shirt in front of any noticeable leaks.
3. Use cheap clear shower curtains over the windows that receive sun light. This will keep the cold air out, and the warmth from the sun will heat your house without cold air coming in. You could also cover your windows with clear plastic sheets and make it airtight.
4. Seal your doors. Check around the door frame and also under the door. You may want to buy weather stripping or a door sweep. Again, at minimum, make a draft dodger or stuff a towel at the bottom of the door.
5. Close off any un-used rooms. The closed door makes that room another barrier between you and the frigid outdoors. It also stops air from circulating as much, which reduces heat loss. Also, home improvement stores sell magnetic register covers to 'shut off' forced air furnace registers in unused rooms. That way when the heater does click on, only the registers in the rooms you use will pump out heat. Makes for more efficient use of the heater. Check that all heat registers are adjusted open, especially where plumbing pipes might freeze. Unblock cold air returns in heated rooms (they may be blocked with furniture or rug) so heat can circulate efficiently.
6. Put up curtains. A set of heavy curtains can block a draft. Open them when the sun is shining and close them when it's not.
7. Put down a rug or carpet.
8. Add insulation in the attic and the crawl space.
9. Exercise; get in shape. 20 minutes of vigorous exercise can warm you up and keep you warm well after the exercise session. And your healthy body is generally more tolerant of the cold.
10. Dress warmly. A hat is your number one friend at a time like this. A large percentage of body heat loss occurs in the head region, so it is crucial to keep your head covered. A turtleneck sweater can work wonders. Dress in layers, especially with wool or cotton clothing. Don't wear your winter coat or you will have nothing else to put on when you go outside. When you are sitting still put on a blanket.
11. Tights. If you still get cold legs then you could buy a 2 pack of black tights from your local shop, make sure they are opaque. Wear one or more pairs over each other under your clothes, this will provide your body with another layer of clothing to trap warm air in. It is ok for men to do this as well.
12. Cook. Steam will raise the moisture level in your home, making you feel warmer. So it is key to keep a kettle on a low boil. While you are at it, you may wish to make a soup or a stew in that boiling pot. Make cookies or a pie, too, as your oven will help to heat the kitchen. The kitchen will be warm while you are cooking, and then you can eat the warm food.
13. Drink warm beverages. Make a cup of tea or coffee. Sip some warm broth.
14. Light a candle. A candle/candles can produce a lot of heat, just be mindful of where they are placed and do not leave them unattended. A trip to most any grocery store or discount store can provide you with a number of candles cheap!
15. Find a friend or pet to snuggle with. The living body of any warm-blooded being is a furnace unto itself.
16. Be active. Moving around produces body heat! The more you are active, the better your blood circulation will be. This will mean that hot blood gets to your fingers and toes, keeping them warm.
17. Evaluate and Plan. Consider how you got yourself into this position. If you are suffering a cold house due to an energy blackout, the above tips will help you get through this short term emergency. But if you are living with a non-working heater because you don't have enough money to pay for heat repairs, you will need to start saving money in the bank for exactly this type of emergency. Pay yourself first so that you can get through any and all emergencies as they arise. Don't leave yourself out in the cold.
18. Let as much sun hit your house as possible. Check for obstructions (e.g. plants,sheds ) to the sun's light reaching your house and remove items leaning against walls etc. on the sunny side ( ideally put them back again at night for additional insulation ). One note though, if your home is in an exposed location you will have to balance the wind/sun break effect to suit.
19. Eat enough fat! This will keep your thyroid and metabolism functioning properly, and you'll stay much warmer.
20. Take a hot shower or bath. Than use oil or lotion on your skin when you get out. It's almost like putting on another thin layer of clothing, which will make you stay warmer.
21. Use a hot water bottle. Great for warming your hands & lap while sitting; also put it under the covers at the foot of the bed.
22. Go under the covers. If the air is too cold when you're trying to sleep, consider rigging a makeshift cloth "tent" over your bed. Your own breathing will warm up the inside of the tent very quickly. There's a good reason those antique beds had roofs and curtains. If not just put the covers over your head and it'll warm up fast.
23. Use a candle heater. It doesn't create as much heat as a fireplace or real heater, but it will create warmth very cheaply.
 DamnBlackHeart · Mon Oct 19, 2009 @ 04:25pm · 0 Comments |
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