Improving warmth in an old house.

[Adamxck]

Ive just moved into an old house which is very cold. I'm after advice on cheap methods of adding warmness, or reducing coldness.

I'm only in the house for a few months, then I'm knocking it down so the methods dont need to be pretty.

Research so far reveals caulking and weather stripping doors and windows and ensuring all holes to the exterior are sealed. I'm thinking about putting secondary film over the windows too and will hang thick curtains over windows and exterior doors. I have draught excluders under each door.

There is loft insulation, which is the only insulation in the house.

What else can I do?

So far my thoughts include either sticking blocks of insulation to the coldest interior walls or using spray on stuff. Is it safe to have uncovered? Ive read there may be issues with condensation/damp after doing this though. Is there anything I can put on the outside of the house?

What other cheap and relatively easy things can I do?

[blueveloce]

A temporary fix to a cold/damp home is a dehumidifier in the coldest rooms...

[S6PNJ]

If it's only going to be for a few months (spring and the warmer weather?),why not just spend the money heating the house? Probably cost the same in the long term and less hassle as well.

[227bhp]

Turn the heating on or move into wherever you are going when you knock it down.

[TooMany2cvs]

S6PNJ said:

If it's only going to be for a few months (spring and the warmer weather?),why not just spend the money heating the house? Probably cost the same in the long term and less hassle as well.

This. Definitely going to be the cheapest and easiest short-term solution.

[triggerh4ppy]

CHeapest option? Buy some jumpers/hats/socks.

[sidekickdmr]

Agreed, get some decent quality and output oil filled rads, most come with timers and thermostats now

you could sell them in a few months and wouldnt cost as much as insulating the whole house to run!

I have a delinghi one that kicks out some serious heat

[sgtBerbatov]

triggerh4ppy said:

CHeapest option? Buy some jumpers/hats/socks.

This really is the best idea if you're knocking the whole thing down and looking for a temporary solution.

[hyphen]

Adamxck said:

What other cheap and relatively easy things can I do?

Tried and trusted old methods?

Electric sofa throw
Elec blanket for the bed
hot Water bottle
slippers
Fleece clothing.
Thermal socks

if really cold wear more layers - thermal long johns/undershirt to start.

Edited by hyphen on Tuesday 14th November 11:35

[alabbasi]

Few pictures on the wall, off white / magnolia paint on the walls and a couple of rugs usually help.

[Harry Flashman]

Heat it, and then set fire to it right at the end of its useful life.

Go on. And post pics.

[AW10]

Definitely worth finding out what the humidity level is. Much above 60 or 65% and you will perceive it to be cooler than it actually is. Might be a cheap win there.

[Nice But Dim]

When we moved into our moneypit this time last year it was freezing.

New CH pump made a massive difference and corrently balanving the radiators as did new loft insulation ( there was next to nothing wrt insulation in the loft)

[Adamxck]

Boo. I was hoping there might be a magic or wacky solution, but the boring sensible ones are probably best. I will investigate the humidity as I hadn't considered it until now.

I won't be burning the house down, sorry Harry.

[Adamxck]

Nice But Dim said:

When we moved into our moneypit this time last year it was freezing.

New CH pump made a massive difference and corrently balanving the radiators as did new loft insulation ( there was next to nothing wrt insulation in the loft)

If I had central heating that would have been my first job.

[cbmotorsport]

How much loft insulation have you got?

You could buy a load of the stuff and just lay it out (don't cut it) and then roll it back up and use it on the new house.

PS. We have an old house with no double glazing and no cavity wall insulation. Good loft insulation, and normal use of the central heating and we're not cold. Occasional open fire for really cold days.

Edited by cbmotorsport on Wednesday 15th November 10:44

[cbmotorsport]

Adamxck said:

Nice But Dim said:

When we moved into our moneypit this time last year it was freezing.

New CH pump made a massive difference and corrently balanving the radiators as did new loft insulation ( there was next to nothing wrt insulation in the loft)

If I had central heating that would have been my first job.

So you don't have central heating? How is it heated at the moment? Storage heaters? open fires?

[hkz286]

large bubble, bubble wrap, over the inside of the windows works surprisingly well if you can put up with it looking like crap

[WindyMills]

Buy the insulation for the new house now and build a fort in the largest room. Leave it in the packaging though, I'm not that crazy.

I'd consider oil filled rads/fan heaters. If there's any element of self-build or temporary caravan accommodation, you'll probably need them anyway.

[V8RX7]

I've used the film over the windows in the past - works well as long as you don't need to open them

I agree with the others but if you really wanted you could tack celotex on the walls (using screws and washers) and re use it in the new house but it's easier to just use more heat short term.