How to Keep Warm in a Cool House

Really enjoyed reading this article

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2015/03/how-to-keep-warm-in-a-cool-house/

I am amazed at the expectation of some people who wish to invert the seasons and refuse to put a jumper on in winter.
No wonder the world has trouble with fuel bills and climate change.

I run what the article describes as a hybrid heating solution.  Since I live alone, I'm able to tune it to my needs.  The following solution isn't for everyone, but may work for you or at least give you an idea.

I intentionally keep the air temperature in my house about 2°F (1°C) below my lowest comfort level.  Then I wear a sweater or housecoat during the day.  Not a big sacrifice.  Since I work at a computer for a good portion of the day, I want to make my office a little more comfortable.  I was using a standard 1500w electric air heater to warm that one room.

Then about a year ago, I saw a YT video with an amazing low-power solution to warm a single person.  They used a  $10 7w terrarium warming pad.  You simply put your feet on it and the warmth radiates up into your legs to make you more comfortable.  I'm using it right now.  Although the 1500w air heater doesn't run continuously, it still consumes far more power part time than this 7w heater running continuously during the day.  It also has a rheostat to allow you to adjust the power up or down (to a max of 7w) to fine-tune the heat.

Here is a link at Amazon (not an endorsement) to see what I'm talking about.  I've now been using it for 1 1/2 seasons and am happy with it.
https://www.amazon.com/Temperature-Adjustment-Reptiles-Turtle%EF%BC%8CUnder-5-51inch11inch/dp/B08M9H4285

John C Daley wrote:I am amazed at the expectation of some people who wish to invert the seasons and refuse to put a jumper on in winter.

Personally, it's the ones who seem to want winter temperatures to be achieved with air conditioning in the summer that bother me!

I liked how the article admitted that different humans have different heat/cold tolerance. I can easily be wearing a long sleeved shirt, a vest, and a "jumper" (cardigan, sweater, hoody - choose your variation of English) when those around me are wearing far less. If I let my feet get cold in the evening, it can take me hours to get them warmed up again.

So for me, the idea of finding better ways to "heat the person" definitely appeals to me. I actually would prefer to have myself warm, but the air to be cooler.

There are plenty of good ideas in the article, but I may need to invent a pair of heated booties!

In the cooler months, or any time I happen to be in really cold weather, I always dress in layers.  Simply having a base layer on the skin which keeps my skin both warm and dry does wonders to keep the chill off.


I love the responses here so far!


Eric