Comments on: How We Actually Avoided Turning on our Heat This Past Winter

By: Sara

Sara — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:05:32 +0000

We also refrained from heating our apartment all winter and it saved us a lot of money. Being surrounded by other apartments helped, as did living in a not-too-cold city (Seattle avg 35-50F in the winter). The apartment averaged about 59-62F. A lot of your tips were ones we also used.

Having a drier that vented into the apartment added a few degrees. Wearing fleece sweats with a layer underneath helped a lot (with slippersocks, of course). Most important were the electric blankets and heavy duvet. We have an electric throw blanket for sitting on the couch which was a lifesaver! Luckily I like sleeping in a 60 deg room so after heating the bed for an hour we could turn the electric comforter off and sleep comfortably.

I thank my father for my ability to withstand a cold house. Our house growing up was rarely over 65. My husband was just happy to save money so he was willing to go along.

By: Betty

Betty — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:22:42 +0000

You can also vent your dryer inside for the winter. It will give you extra heat and moisture. Just make sure you put something on the end of the hose to collect the lint.

By: Frugal Momma

Frugal Momma — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:25:23 +0000

I think there are alot of smart thing mentioned here

We don’t go as low as 55 degrees but keep the heat 64-65 degrees. The kids and I dress warm, wear socks. We replaced our windows a couple of years back so that helps too.

By: Hilary

Hilary — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:36:13 +0000

I like electric mattress pads better – the queen/king size ones even have two sets of controls, so that you can put it on but your partner doesn’t have to.

By: Paula

Paula — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:54:35 +0000

Well, we live in the country, so we heat with wood. It’s free, and hubby stays in great shape chopping wood for the stove!

By: Cindy M

Cindy M — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:31:53 +0000

I think electric blankets are invaluable. I’ve used them for years and would not know what to do without them.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:13:31 +0000

At least your puppy is keeping your spot warm for you.

By: AJC @ 7million7years

AJC @ 7million7years — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:19:27 +0000

… or simply leave your thermostat turned up to 68 degrees, which helps you concentrate on new ways to make money … so much more fun!

But, I don’t turn it up to 70 … that’s my symbolic way of saying that saving money still matters even when other people think you have enough to burn.

By: Raven

Raven — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 02:26:56 +0000

I keep my home cooler than most people I know (average 65F), but there is a line I won’t cross–I have to be able to *live* in my house. Wanting to save money is all well and good, but add up the cost of extra electricity (heating hot water, running the oven and electric blankets, etc.) and of gas to go to the places that are warmer than your home. There was absolutely nothing inspiring in this article.

Oh, and wool or synthetic blends are MUCH warmer than cotton sweats.