Advice for staying warm in winter with no heating

The_Brood

While our landlord does provide heating for about 3-4 hours a day, our apartment is dead frozen cold for the rest of the time. My spouse and I have to sometimes work from home, and be inside for most of the day, but the cold is absolutely deadly, especially when you are sick. We tried using a plug-in electric heater for just a couple of hours here and there, but we just got our Electric Ireland bill and lol, that options flies off the table. Absolute back-breaking bill.

We have already tried everything else I can read online, like insulating the windows, thicker curtains etc, but that doesn't do all that much. Without heating, it's very hard surviving inside here.

I have heard that old flats in Dublin tend to be quite cold anyway. What do other people do in situations like this?

baby and crumble

Tell your landlord to give you heating for longer than 4 hours a day.

That’s insane.

K.Flyer

What way are you paying for the heating?
Is it included in the rent or do you pay a Gas bill directly to the supplier yourself?
Is there a time clock for the heating / hot water in your apartment?

The_Brood

baby and crumble wrote: »

Tell your landlord to give you heating for longer than 4 hours a day.

That’s insane.

We live in Dublin. We'll be thrown out on the streets the moment we complain about anything. Landlords know how to navigate through anything. This is one of the select few apartments we can afford. Can't risk it.

The_Brood

K.Flyer wrote: »

What way are you paying for the heating?
Is it included in the rent or do you pay a Gas bill directly to the supplier yourself?
Is there a time clock for the heating / hot water in your apartment?

It says that partial heating is included in the rent, but yes we also pay for the gas and electricity directly to Electric Ireland. There is a time clock for the hot water, but not the heating.

K.Flyer

The_Brood wrote: »

It says that partial heating is included in the rent, but yes we also pay for the gas and electricity directly to Electric Ireland. There is a time clock for the hot water, but not the heating.

If you are paying a Gas bill to the supplier for heating then you are entitled to control the heating as you wish.
Where is the gas boiler, do you have access to it?
Have you tried to discuss this with the landlord?

Addle

Most people pay for their own heat on top of their rent.

Buy a few hot water bottles.

lalababa

Wear wool or' high performance 'long johns and several thin layers of 'high performance' tops cycling and sporty types. Wool or 'HP' socks . Heavy wool jumper and wool hat and or balaclava/ wool scarf. A heavy gauge or lined pants. A thin pair of cycling gloves with the index finger touch device enabled.
Eat alot of hot fatty foods.
Super insulate one room in house with double layers of sheep or yak hides. Build a fire in this room.
Try covering yourself in at least 2 inches of clay type mud mixed with straw and horse hair. Buy a lot of tin foil and wrap any delicate bits.
Good luck OP.

Lyle Lanley

The_Brood wrote: »

We live in Dublin. We'll be thrown out on the streets the moment we complain about anything. Landlords know how to navigate through anything. This is one of the select few apartments we can afford. Can't risk it.

If it's really that ****ty then leave. Not just the apartment, Dublin. Ireland if necessary. What do you do for work?

silverharp

get a pair of insulated slippers North Face and otherwise you can get thermal layers cheap enough

Oink

Can you explain a bit more how your LL “provides” heating?

We use what we need, then get a bill, then pay our ESB bill. Back when we used oil, we used the heating, then called the company to buy more oil.

How is your LL involved?

Tokyo

Mod: moving this to Accommodation and Property, as you will get more pertinent advice there. Please note that their charter now applies.

Sleeper12

What's with the 4 hours? Do you live above a doctors surgery or something? Heat only on during surgery hours?

K.Flyer

I think some people are totally missing the point with some if their suggestions..

Citizens Information / Renting / minimum physical standards

Other requirements

All landlords must provide:
[...]
A fixed heating appliance in each room, which is capable of providing effective heating and which the tenant can control.

wakka12

K.Flyer wrote: »

I think some people are totally missing the point with some if their suggestions..

Citizens Information / Renting / minimum physical standards

Yeh Im not surprised. It sounded very illegal not allowing tenant to use heating..

Field east

lalababa wrote: »

Wear wool or' high performance 'long johns and several thin layers of 'high performance' tops cycling and sporty types. Wool or 'HP' socks . Heavy wool jumper and wool hat and or balaclava/ wool scarf. A heavy gauge or lined pants. A thin pair of cycling gloves with the index finger touch device enabled.
Eat alot of hot fatty foods.
Super insulate one room in house with double layers of sheep or yak hides. Build a fire in this room.
Try covering yourself in at least 2 inches of clay type mud mixed with straw and horse hair. Buy a lot of tin foil and wrap any delicate bits.
Good luck OP.

I had no heating of any kind in the bedroom when a student back in the 70s. One of my actions to keep as warm as possible- at least when starting off the day - was to put the clothes I plan to ware first thing in the morning between the blankets.

OldMrBrennan83

This post has been deleted.

Jenneke87

You poor thing. I lived in accommodation like that. Sometimes the room was as cold as 6 degrees during wintertime. You need to get out. Could you move to a cheaper accommodation outside of Dublin. Keeping this up is madness. I left too, it's unbearable.

RoundDaBend

I've had to do this for years on and off. It gnaws at your health. Multiple layering of clothing helps of course but its very important to keep moving. So exercise makes a lot of difference but this is only useful if you enjoy exercise. I also have a standard thermometer if inside goes below ten degrees celcius you need to put some other means of heating on. I once had a 2 cm layer of ice inside the window of my bedroom! Not in Dublin though. Move out asap OP

TheChizler

Leaving aside the obvious issue of the landlord failing their obligations (if it's a tenancy), small things like sealing around doors and windows with sticky-backed foam draught excluders can make an incredible difference. Sealed the bottom of our front door recently and we're getting up half as often to boost the heating for an hour. Worth doing even if you sort out the heating.

Teyla Emmagan

Would you go to the local library for the day instead when you are working from home? I think they have WiFi now.

dudara

We used to live in an apartment in an old Georgian red brick house and while we were no where as bad as the OP’s situation, it was challenging to keep it comfortable in the winter. We had storage heaters with boost, but even so the heat would just leak out. We learned to keep all doors shut, and we would take full advantage of the sunlight through the big windows to warm up the room, then close the shutters and curtains once the sun was gone. We focused on keeping one room comfortable and let the others be cooler. Draught excluders on all doors. A big thick duvet did the job in the bedroom.

OP - ultimately you are supposed to have control over your own heating. What your landlord is doing appears to be illegal.

Harry Palmr

If you are effectively stuck there and are willing to work around the problem to find solutions I'll suggest the follow - first off. Heat the space you fill, not the room as a whole - buy a plug in heated throw blanket, these use about 30 watts max so the power of a lightbulb but they work very well when sat watching telly, and as an over-blanket in bed.

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/7199770/Trail/searchtext%3EHEATED+THROW.htm

You mention the electric bill what size is it? A quick heating "non oil-filled" electric rad works well

https://www.appliancesdelivered.ie/dimplex-electric-2000w-oil-free-column-heater-with-heat-output-ofrc20n/2348

Re clothes - as someone who works outside all year I can tell you that warm feet and a warm head/neck make all the difference! Winter socks designed for the outdoors and a light scarf are a help. Aldi have knee length wader socks right now. I bought a pair

ED E

Harry Palmr wrote: »

You mention the electric bill what size is it? A quick heating "non oil-filled" electric rad works well

https://www.appliancesdelivered.ie/dimplex-electric-2000w-oil-free-column-heater-with-heat-output-ofrc20n/2348

An electric heater is an electric heater. They're all 100% efficient so there's no way to improve that situation.

Browney7

OP, I assume you live in a Georgian type house that has been subdivided into numerous different one bedroom flats and that the landlord provides heating for the winter months (central timer) for a few hours a day that heats every flat? In a lot of these old houses the LLs pulled out the gas heating and replaced with storage heaters.

Have you been provided with a fixed electric heater as well? Any possibility that the LL could install a nightsaver metre and install an electric storage heater? Is there any other modern apartments in the area at a similar rent?

blondeonblonde

We used to have a similar situation in our flat. It was an old Victorian house split into 5 units and the gas heating was timed during the day for the whole house. Outside of those times we had to use our own electric heating powered by a coin operated meter.

Like something out of the f*ckin stone age, can't believe some landlords are still getting away with this ****e.

As for how to keep warm, wool clothes all the way, thermal leggings etc. Or as my mother used to say, go out and run around the garden & you won't be long warming up...

K.Flyer

ED E wrote: »

An electric heater is an electric heater. They're all 100% efficient so there's no way to improve that situation.

Heaters like this are quick and effective, but not a long term solution at 2kw / hr. if they have to be left on for several hrs a day.

BabysCoffee

Rather than work from home, could you work from your local library or a Starbucks

Markcheese

I'm not going to get into the rights or wrongs of your landlord/housing situation, so good thermals and if you need it a heated jacket, several tool companies do them and they usually use the same battery packs that power tools use.. I know an Italian girl who uses a "Milwaukee" one in the warehouse that she works in... If Ihttps://www.dewalt.com/products/gear-and-equipment/safety-and-protective-workwear/heated-gear can find a link I'll put it up later..

cosanostra

Correct me if i'm wrong but your LL provides you with 4 hrs heating per day and this is included in the rent? If this is the case is there a way that you can pay for more hours of heating or ask your LL to increase the amount of time the heating is on and you pay the difference on top of your rent. I don't see why any LL would object to this, if it's a case that you can't afford to heat it yourself then that's a different story but I don't see why the LL should be paying to heat your accommodation. If its a shared house and it is run Centrally then find somewhere else where you have control of your own heating move out of Dublin if necessary

endacl

BabysCoffee wrote: »

Rather than work from home, could you work from your local library or a Starbucks

More expensive to constantly buy coffee than run a heater.

Mena Mitty

As mentioned above a couple of hot water bottles. Also could you work from home but in your bed, an electric blanket doesn't cost a lot to run. Fingerless gloves and a hat and scarf when up and around will keep you warm.

When you start to get chillblains on your fingers and toes it's time to find somewhere warmer to live. Best of luck.

Daisy78

Is the issue here that you don't have access to the heating controls for your own appartment or that you can't afford to pay for the heating? If it's the former then you will have to come to some arrangement with the landlord where he increases the length of time it's switched on and you can pay the difference. Although given you have an account in your name I would assume that you do have access. If this is the case then you will just need to increase the length of time you have it switched on and then pay for what you use. This would be standard practice, you can't expect a landlord to pay for your utility bills outside of any existing arrangement you have.

ted1

The_Brood wrote: »

baby and crumble wrote: »

Tell your landlord to give you heating for longer than 4 hours a day.

That’s insane.

We live in Dublin. We'll be thrown out on the streets the moment we complain about anything. Landlords know how to navigate through anything. This is one of the select few apartments we can afford. Can't risk it.

That’s rubbish. Landlords have no power ( unless you live with them )
You have to be able to control your own heat ? How is the landlord controlling it?

sword1

Looks like the landlord cut off the op wifi, bastard.

TheAnalyst_

Another typical slumlord profting from misery. You need to fight for your life here. Do not take this lying down.

James 007

lalababa wrote: »

Wear wool or' high performance 'long johns and several thin layers of 'high performance' tops cycling and sporty types. Wool or 'HP' socks . Heavy wool jumper and wool hat and or balaclava/ wool scarf. A heavy gauge or lined pants. A thin pair of cycling gloves with the index finger touch device enabled.
Eat alot of hot fatty foods.
Super insulate one room in house with double layers of sheep or yak hides. Build a fire in this room.
Try covering yourself in at least 2 inches of clay type mud mixed with straw and horse hair. Buy a lot of tin foil and wrap any delicate bits.
Good luck OP.

Thats just too much hassle, you could buy one of these below for less than 10 EURO

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VIEW-OF-APOLLO-11-ASTRONAUT-NEIL-ARMSTRONGS-SPACE-SUIT-8X10-NASA-PHOTO-BB-040-/151783849379

the_syco

The_Brood wrote: »

It says that partial heating is included in the rent, but yes we also pay for the gas and electricity directly to Electric Ireland. There is a time clock for the hot water, but not the heating.

I'm confused on what gas you pay for, if not the 4 hours?

The_Brood

Thank for the various advice, I was not expecting so much in terms of responses.

I am somewhat confused myself as to how it all works, but yes the contract says that "partial" heating is provided and included in the rent, but no we have no way to control it. We are weary not to complain or ask about much - it's not really about standing up for oneself, but we know through experience there are 100 other people ready to take our place if the landlord gets fed up with us...very risky to do anything in the housing situation.

Stheno

The_Brood wrote: »

Thank for the various advice, I was not expecting so much in terms of responses.

I am somewhat confused myself as to how it all works, but yes the contract says that "partial" heating is provided and included in the rent, but no we have no way to control it. We are weary not to complain or ask about much - it's not really about standing up for oneself, but we know through experience there are 100 other people ready to take our place if the landlord gets fed up with us...very risky to do anything in the housing situation.

Is your rent very cheap compared to flats on daft?

The_Brood

Stheno wrote: »

Is your rent very cheap compared to flats on daft?

Hah, "compared to" is the key word here. To be honest yes we felt very lucky to get the flat at the rent price as almost everything around us is 2-300 more expensive, but even so we are barely affording it - which is why we're feked hard if she decides we're not worth the trouble.

Eric Cartman

TheAnalyst_ wrote: »

Another typical slumlord profting from misery. You need to fight for your life here. Do not take this lying down.

you come on every thread in this forum with the same crap. The majority of landlords are not bad people / treating anyone badly. Most of the small ones struggle to make money, the PRTB gave tenants all the rights. We haven't even clarified what the OP's scenario is here but you've just bolted out abusing the landlord as usual. Seriously what is the chip on your shoulder.

Stheno

The_Brood wrote: »

Hah, "compared to" is the key word here. To be honest yes we felt very lucky to get the flat at the rent price as almost everything around us is 2-300 more expensive, but even so we are barely affording it - which is why we're feked hard if she decides we're not worth the trouble.

So even if you got control of the heating could you afford to pay for extra heat?

Doctors room ghost

If it was me I’d get out of that 3rd world kip and tell his majesty the landlord mind would he get a paper cut counting all the money.
Get yourself into a modern well insulated place within budget where the landlord isn’t a boll1x.
I wish you all the best you deserve better than them conditions.
Next thing you will have mold and chest infection and I’ll health.

Caranica

Doctors room ghost wrote: »

If it was me I’d get out of that 3rd world kip and tell his majesty the landlord mind would he get a paper cut counting all the money.
Get yourself into a modern well insulated place within budget where the landlord isn’t a boll1x.
I wish you all the best you deserve better than them conditions.
Next thing you will have mold and chest infection and I’ll health.

Can you suggest a property? The OP has already said that this property is several hundred euro below average and at that they're struggling to pay the rent. Within budget is a pipe dream

Doctors room ghost

Caranica wrote: »

Can you suggest a property? The OP has already said that this property is several hundred euro below average and at that they're struggling to pay the rent. Within budget is a pipe dream

No can’t suggest a property as not from the area but I’d be fukd if I was expected to give big money to live in a frozen kip.id rather live under an umbrella than give the greedy landlord big money. I hope every penny of the rent money fattens the old pig.
Op search the net ie daft.ie or local auctioneers for properties for rent within budget

Grolschevik

Could this be a case of mixed expectations? For example, if the OP is used to landlord/building provided block heating, as in some European countries, maybe the idea of paying for heating bills over and above what is supposedly included seems culturally weird?

cnocbui

Build or buy a cryptocurrency mining rig and run that 24/7. While your electricity bill will skyrocket, and there will be a bit of noise, you will at least be warm. Selling the coin you have mined should pay for the increased electricity usage and the capital cost of the miner.

The_Conductor

As the OP has already stated that they tried electronic heating (which is perfectly acceptable under the Act)- but found it prohibitive pricewise- I honestly don't know what their options are. OP- you have limited heating included in the rent- and the option to provide additional heating outside of this- I'm not entirely sure what else you expect.

You say you have your own gas and electricity bill. How is the 4 hours a day of heating that is included in the rent- accounted for? Is it wholly separate- and you pay no separate bill for it?

I'm not entirely sure what the OP wants here- it sounds like they live in an old building with extremely poor heat insulation. Just because its nigh impossible to heat the place- does not mean its in breach of any regulations.

The limited information posted by the OP- raises more questions that anything else.

Harry Palmr

The good news is that the majority of winter is now over, in 6 weeks maybe less the average daytime temp will be around 12 degrees.

The_Brood

Doctors room ghost wrote: »

If it was me I’d get out of that 3rd world kip and tell his majesty the landlord mind would he get a paper cut counting all the money.
Get yourself into a modern well insulated place within budget where the landlord isn’t a boll1x.
I wish you all the best you deserve better than them conditions.
Next thing you will have mold and chest infection and I’ll health.

Actually we have all that - mold and chest infection. The mold is the one thing we decided to give it a go and let the landlord know about - she just said to air the room or something....which was not the problem at all anyway, but a clear sign she doesn't want to be bothered.