We live in a very shady place - at least in the summer. Also, we are on a very strict budget. I’m thinking an efficient woodstove might be the most affordable way to help keep our home warm this winter. But, even that is probably out of our affordable range. Anyone have any more ideas? I’m affraid to get our house any tighter without also getting some kind of ventilation system. One expense leads to another. Maybe just lots of sweaters and blankets?

You’ll never go wrong with the right insulation. Let a construction firm help you out. This is not as costly as it seems. Just let the company know how much you’re willing to shell out. Don’t let your family freeze.

Inspect your home for leaks that will let in cold air. Particularly feel for cold air coming in around doors, windows and electrical sockets, and seal off leaks or cracks. Kulatunga says windows are the least insulated parts of a home, and sealing off gaps with caulk or weather stripping or applying plastic to the windows can stop cold air from flowing in.

I had the same problem so I ordered some Vinyl Backed Insulation from http://www.mbmi.biz they can help you solve your problem.

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Coming from the New York state north country I have a pretty good feel for living in this location. Most north country folks have a main heating system, electric, oil, gas, etc that is backed up by WOOD. What it comes down to is wood being the main source of heat being backed up by the homes heating system.

People also have this in place in the event of a winter time emergency that would shut down electrical service and impact your ability to provide heat. It is of ultimate importance that a back up system is taken into consideration.

Although this might be a bit out of your budget if your thinking of the long term why not consider something like an air source heat pump, not only will this keep you home warm and at a consistent temperature it will also massively decrease you heating bills as well as being good for the environment.

An air source heat pump is fairly efficient down to around 30 degrees, but much below that and even the best of them end up relying on electric resistance backup, which is incredibly inefficient, and expensive.A Geothermal (ground source) heat pump is going to prove to be the most efficient electric heating or cooling mechanism in our climate.  That being said.. stop air infiltration, and remember that most heat loss is through your attic.  If you have a conventional, ventilated attic, check to make sure that the ceiling is well insulated, and their aren’t any voids. make sure air has no route between your living space and the unconditioned attic.  No matter what source of heat that you use, proper insulation and air sealing make the biggest difference in your bills.

Kris Forward

With new techonology and innovation you can actually find air source heat pumps work effectivley at temperatures considerebly lower that that. They are widely adopted in both france and switzerland who see very cold winter months. These new innovations make this a viable options for the UK, and i had no issues over this winter which was the coldest one recorded in many years.

I would like a link to that manufacturer, for more information, as this sounds good. I have a 16 SEER dual stage trane, and it is completely ineffective below 20 degrees.

have a look into the new mitsubishi ecodan air source heat pump.

There was an article in my local paper about a family using a corn-fed heater. Their review was favorable: the corn, bought from Southern States, was very economical and the heat was regulated by an auto feed system.

I agree with the other guys that sealing gaps where the cold draft tends to come in is the first, and cheapest, option for you. Using weatherstrip sealing tapes and caulking materials to cover said leaks is one good way to prevent the cold coming in.

Wanted to inform you that in the UK the Government are bringing in new incentives to help with the installation of renewable energy resources. This may mean that your financial difficulties are no longer a problem. You can look into the Feed-In tariffs which are the first of a few incentives which will mean installing a product such as an air source heat pump, will become a much more appealing option.

Other than this a quick fix option which is suitable for every home is to fully insulate the attic and the walls. Windows are said to be where lots of heat is lost however I have found that original doors can lose a lot of heat due to gaps forming and cracks down the side. Possibly have a look at replacing the doors first as a slightly cheaper alternative.