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I've "shrink-wrapped" the floor-to-ceiling windows, but now I'm thinking the walls are not well insulated; my little cottage is over 125 years old! I've been wearing fleece, but will look into wool; I'm sure natural fibers are better. Also, thick socks and even a hat do wonders. The heated back pad (worn on the front) is working great; I even tuck my hands under it...
I ended up with a Sunbeam plush "spa" back heating pad, only I wear it on my front while sitting up in bed. It keeps my core toasty while not encroaching on the cats' space (can't have them puncturing wires).
I have had cats and electric blankets/mattress pads for 50 years, and have never had a cat puncture a wire.
Like others have said, try to find (and seal) the air leaks in your house. I have an older house as well, and I have found big air leaks in unlikely places such as behind door frames (behind the trim), and even in "new" poor-quality windows. Other common leak areas are around lighting fixtures and electrical outlets. For larger gaps, use the yellow expanding foam in a can. For smaller gaps, use caulk.
I use my nose as a "leak detector" on cold nights. It works pretty well, since it can find small jets of cold air.
Central heat is not common in Japan but it does get quite cold there. And that includes apartments. Very common to move into a unit with no heat or hot water! Here's what they use. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotatsu These aren't cheap but they make great sense to me.
Holding a lit candle up to windows and doors is another good way to detect air leaks.
An old-fashioned hot water bottle; never thought of that! What a sad commentary... Thanks!
What in the world (Kotatsu); looks like a good way to start a fire. Are you supposed to sit under the blanket with the heater or...?
They are actually safe! Sort of a low table placed on top of a huge futon sort of mattress with a big comforter attached to go around the table. People eat, sleep, and pretty much live under the Kotatsu all winter!
An old-fashioned hot water bottle; never thought of that! What a sad commentary... Thanks!
Next time you are at a pharmacy/Walmart pick one up,they are only about $10
If you do get one dont forget after filling it with boiling water to squeeze the remaining air out of it before you screw the top on.http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sunbeam-Ho...0-000/22046338
After a 6pm supper i fill the water bottle and put it at the foot area of my bed,when i go to bed around 10pm the foot area of the bed is toasty warm.
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