How Do I Heat Up My Very Cold Rented Room, Using Minimal Energy?
I live in a Californian Bungalow in Melbourne, Australia – tall ceilings, the walls are made of wood, I have a fireplace in my room, and there are gaps between the skirting boards and the floor. I have stuffed my with fabric, I have good curtains, and there are no noticeable drafts, but my room has been getting down to 10 degrees, and it’s only April.
I am a gung-ho environmentalist (turn things off at the wall, am committed to no air travel, etc) so I HATE the idea of using an electric heater, but I’m not sure what I can do instead. Normally, I don’t ever put on a heater, but this house is different. I have been wearing thermal underware, but now I’m thinking I need a polypropylene body suit, with only space for my mouth and nose, it’s completely ridiculous!!
I think the main reason it’s so cold is that there’s barely any insulation. As a renter, I can’t do anything about that. Does anyone know what would be the most effective and efficient was of dealing with this? (Note: I am prepared to get a gas bottle and bring in some kind of a gas heater, if need be.)
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January 21, 2010 @ 10:36 am
y don’t u use the fireplace? It’s perfectly natural
January 21, 2010 @ 2:07 pm
hang blankets on the walls and use the fireplace. the blankets will serve as insulation and close the windows. if there is space under the doors, plug it so that cold air doesn’t come in though the cracks.
January 21, 2010 @ 3:31 pm
50 degrees isn’t that bad. I converted temperature:
If the fireplace is serviceable you can get some wood for it.
Or do it like in desert regions. Use cow patties or buffalo chips: Burn them.
Or you might have to decide which is more important right now: Your health or being so gung ho:
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One thing have that fireplace checked good before using it because from what you have said I am a little leery about advising you to use it.
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As for your heater options: If you go electric the most efficient is the quartz heaters. Start with just one and see if it does the job. If not add another one across the room making sure it is on a different breakers:
And not using suicide strings {extension cords} unless you want to fry yourself crispy critter done.
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Now if you decide on going with a propane heater. be G.D. sure you vent it good other wise once they get to missing you and start looking for you. You will be found graveyard dead from the gas fumes. Propane is poisonous to breath. The exhaust fumes from Propane is also poisonous.
January 21, 2010 @ 9:15 pm
Don’t use a gas heater in an enclosed space, unless you fancy breathing carbon monoxide. You could seal cracks with weatherstripping and tape plastic sheets over windows. Wrapping yourself in an electric blanket would help you stay warm, and it would consume a small amount of energy.
I live in North America and during winter, I turn the thermostat down to 64 degrees F, wear thermal underwear and layers of clothing. However, now we are having an unprecedented heat wave in April. Today I took the air conditioner out of storage and installed it in the bedroom window.