Advice needed please - what is the best way to heat rooms brrrrrrrrr!?

Becky123


Joined: 01/06/2011
Posts: 144

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 09:54

Hi there, it's our first Autumn/ Winter living here so experiencing the cold for the first time brrrrrrr. We have fire place for downstairs which we have logs arriving for in the next few days (hurray), but we are now looking at options to heat bedrooms. The bedrooms are quite large with high ceilings - so feel quite cold - we were thinking about oil radiators, however I have looked at previous posts on here that say they will not heat rooms efficiently and not cost effective. Can someone kindly advise the most efficient and cost effective way of heating rooms?



Thank you!



Becky (aka the human icicle)

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 10:03

Five minutes of air con on heat before you go to bed should be enough. The good thing is that it removes some moisture as well. It's the damp air that makes the cold seem to permeate your bones!

Tango1


Joined: 19/02/2011
Posts: 1151

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 10:16

We have some the highest bedroom ceilings I've seen on the island and oil fired will do you no good at all I'm afraid. I don't use the air con on reverse either (it's on the blink) However, we find that a four bar Halogen works wonders and contrary to other peoples views we find them economical. Buy one with a zapper so that you don't have to turn it off until after you're in bed and can turn it on before you get out of bed in the morning. We then leave one bar on all day (with doors closed) and the bedroom is quite warm when we go to bed. Plus there is no smell.

gillken


Joined: 25/05/2008
Posts: 521

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 10:23

large carpets on the floor....thick curtains. Trouble is the walls aren't insulated. So any heat is lost quickly. Think of a way to insulate the roof...your main problem.

One way of really helping and keeping the bills down winter and summer.....coz the advantage in summer is that the heat will be kept out....is the line exterior walls and ceilings with something like this.....

http://www.gowallpaper.co.uk/category/Wallrock_Range/Wallrock_Thermal_Liner,b.html?gclid=CJDLz_CcvawCFUdB4Qod8mS8oQ

It will pay for itself quickly....



I know it is UK but they must have a similar product....you will only need a small background heater to keep the room warm then.....

Becky123


Joined: 01/06/2011
Posts: 144

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 10:38

Thanks for the help - it's a rented property so not looking to have any adjustments made to property. Looking at yr posts I will try air con first as units in working order in rooms I think and then if no good look at trying the Halogen. It certainly is the damp that gets to you - everywhere and everything just feels damp - there seems to be no escape from it brrrrrrrr. Im particularly looking forward to Jan and Feb ; ) !!!



Thanks again.

fatboy



Joined: 05/11/2008
Posts: 244

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 11:14

We have found hot air blowers seem to do the trick for us,switch on a hour before bedtime or before you go out, they have auto cut off and come back on when cool. We brought it with us from UK.

HotHippo


Joined: 25/03/2010
Posts: 402

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 11:18

Message 4, that liner paper would do the trick for us. I'll be over at the weekend, and will be trying to find a supplier with something similar in stock.

Any enterprising shop-owners out there? You'd be able to sell this stuff as fast as you could import it!

Please let me if there is anyone out there with this in stock!

Cheers,

Eddie

eddie_burt@yahoo.co.uk

HotHippo


Joined: 25/03/2010
Posts: 402

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 17:45

BTTT

Anyone know of a stockist for this Wallrock Thermal Liner in KKTC, or, at a push, down South?

mickyron


Joined: 05/07/2009
Posts: 130

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 19:58

We use a portable gas fire, put it on for an hour or so before bed and you will be as warm as toast.

suehowlittle


Joined: 31/10/2010
Posts: 1202

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 20:45

The Halogen heater method is not expensive, we have used them for 5 years now and are delighted with them.



Close the doors to any rooms which you do not use. This will keep the cost down.

rejela


Joined: 09/02/2011
Posts: 293

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 21:28

We tried all the options over the last 13 years.

Best is central heating if you can afford to run it like we all used to back in the UK.



SECOND

Is the Toyoset kerosine heater at 21,000 BTU's it really pumps out the heat. Unfortunately the kerosine has gone up greatly over hte past few years.

The heater does require the wick to be changed frequently as kerosine contains waxes which tend to clog the wick and stop the flow of fuel up the wick.

Using the fire in the evenings we use about 10 litres of fuel per week.

The quality of kerosine in the North is poor and leads to smelling so i always go for pink, not so convenient but still a very good option. Avoid the cheap red/ chrome chinese variants. the Japanese models are excellent quality and spares are available readily.

If you buy one you must light it and turn it off outside as this is when the fire gives off fumes. Provided you do this and change the wick occaisionally you will be satisfied.

Enchanted


Joined: 20/07/2008
Posts: 159

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 21:29

Becky, its back to basics

Buy some decent thermal underwear, with long sleeves, and leggings to match. These prevent the heat leaving the body.

Buy a dreamland electric blancket from uk. These are duel controlled, you have high and low settings, you can leave them on whilst you sleep, also washable. Then just cuddle up........

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 21:54

Warm air con works for us !! airs laundry at the same time. Electric towel rails to warm bath robes for when we get out of the shower !! Leccy blankets are a must. Thick warm slippers and the good old faithfull cashmere joggers and hoody ! Sorted.

Riddles


Joined: 26/04/2011
Posts: 429

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 22:59

Build up cold-immunity by living in the UK most of the year.....hot countries are meant for holidaying-in, not living-in!

jock1



Joined: 06/01/2008
Posts: 3786

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 23:02

some rigorous P.T. is required..........

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 23:38

I haven't got any Khaki shorts Jock.

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
17/11/2011 23:56

If you need any pumps Wyn will lend you his,



Paul.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
18/11/2011 00:16

Paul. Are they Nike?

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
18/11/2011 00:50

put the aircon on hot as groucho says ,

Hippo


Joined: 02/02/2007
Posts: 2070

Message Posted:
18/11/2011 05:54

I will rent you Mrs H hot in bed the old flange is. (body temp that is)

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
18/11/2011 06:50

We purchased a Toyoset kerosene heater last winter and although the initial outlay seemed a little expensive, we found it worthwhile.



As per msg 11 you have to be careful of which garage you buy your kerosene from, we usually trek around them with some one litre bottles and buy the smallest amount and see which garage to use. Surprisingly they do differ quite a bit.



We bought ours in Lefkosa, here are the details if you want to go and look:



Cuvalcioglu & Sons Ltd



Tel: 0392 228 7858 & 227 9306



The chap speaks enough english to understand him and he is extremely helpful especially with his after sales service.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
18/11/2011 07:25

Usually, plenty of the abovementioned heating appliances at 'Amanda's Auction' - especially halogen heaters - they're surprisingly economical.



Beware lighting open fires in Cypriot chimneys - most are 'not fit for purpose' - no fire bricks and hopelessly wrong design and 'construction' - most just fill your house with smoke!

Sazna


Joined: 12/09/2009
Posts: 1177

Message Posted:
18/11/2011 08:53

To greatly reduce your rooms of damp i HIGHLY recommend getting a Dehumidifier it has done absolute wonders for our north facing bedroom and for the first winter in seven years our room has been almost damp free no longer climbing in to a damp bed and our clothes are not damp either, i brought mine over from the uk in my suitcase its portable and only weighed 13kg. The big bonus is it also helps to dry wet washing faster.

Sazna


Joined: 12/09/2009
Posts: 1177

Message Posted:
18/11/2011 08:55

also forgot to mention low cost to run and because damp is greatly reduced its much easier to heat the room.

flowerfairy


Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 1277

Message Posted:
18/11/2011 09:23

Good idea Sazna,

Argos r us....., anyone, do you know where we can buy one over here please?

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
18/11/2011 10:24

sanza, most Air-Con units have a "DRY" mode which is a Dehumidifier.........But you are right Damp is the major problem in these poorly built houses...

jeffsangrace


Joined: 22/12/2009
Posts: 267

Message Posted:
18/11/2011 10:39

I have installed 4 x Baxi Brazilia 8fs balanced flue wall heaters which i had brought over from the UK. They run on independent 10kg bottles of lpg. The heaters are balanced flue so completely room sealed so can be left on all night if required. The heaters have cast iron heat exchangers so take about 15 - 20 minutes to heat up but once hot they produce convected hot air brilliantly. They have 3 settings and we are using them on the lowest at the moment. We have 1 in each bedroom and one in the dining area of our open plan lounge diner along with a log burner and we are as warm as toast. On setting 1 for about 5 hours per night a 10kg bottle of gas is lasting around 3 weeks so very economical as well. An excellent investment if you know of anyone bringing a container over. They are not cheap (around £230.00 each including the Lpg conversion kit plus vat) but having tried most of the above methods this in my experience beats them all hands down.

annie


Joined: 30/05/2007
Posts: 208

Message Posted:
18/11/2011 10:43

Hi Becky

I have just put an add in the for sale section Cyprus44 you might like to check out all would be ideal for bedrooms.



Annie

Becky123


Joined: 01/06/2011
Posts: 144

Message Posted:
18/11/2011 13:43

Thanks for the replies - had fire going last night - which has helped warm house up lots - although now i am worried about carbon monoxide poisoning - so will look out for alarm/ detector for this. Will try air con and then perhaps look at the Halogen heaters. Hoody on, layers, warm socks and slippers on - but I am seriously thinking thermals and an electric blanket will soon be needed - i never thought i would say that brrrrrrr.



Becky

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
19/11/2011 22:22

msg27..... Well done with your heaters...I am always pleased when someone finds an "economical" way to pump heat into a badly built, uninsulated, sub standard excuse for a house...

paddywack


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 959

Message Posted:
19/11/2011 22:54

Msg 30

Never one to miss a pop at the TRNC

Trevturk


Joined: 08/11/2011
Posts: 69

Message Posted:
20/11/2011 07:57

Our house is not so good in the winter but please let us remember how wonderfully they are in the summer....

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
20/11/2011 08:43

Any House is good in the summer...It's the Winter that separates the "Wheat from the Chaff" Let us not forget that, lest we "over romanticize"....

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
20/11/2011 08:48

Doesn't matter which fuel you burn, you can't get out more than you put in.

Aircon is the only exception as it processes heat from the otside air which has usable "heat" down to -10C. This heat is provided by the sun which is free. Some modern a/c units have an efficiency of 300%, i.e. put a kW of electricity in and get 3kW of heat out.

It is by far the most cost effective way of heating in TRNC.

dicky


Joined: 30/04/2011
Posts: 8

Message Posted:
20/11/2011 17:05

Arrived mid-Oct and had marvellous month of sun. Fed up with change in the weather. Would go home if we we not committed to three month deal on rented house. Glad I'm not a permanent ex-pat. Cold , damp and miserable

Pippie


Joined: 02/12/2009
Posts: 1288

Message Posted:
20/11/2011 17:39

Don't worry Dicky, once the wet weather is out of the way, most of the winter is sunny days with blue skies (tho not sunbathing heat!). It's just the nights you have to worry about. But it's still better than the UK!



Welcome to the winter Becky. Our first winter here we bought a calor gas fire. It worked well for us but if you go for this option I would suggest on sunny days you open the doors and windows to air the house, cos after our first winter I realised that they're not best when it comes to dealing with damp - they promote it! We're now in a 2 storey house with high ceilings too. We invested in a second fire that we can switch on an hour before we go to bed so the bedroom is aired. Only one light on at the moment in the living room; will work up to 3 as we head towards Feb! And, not yet moved on to socks in bed but will in a few weeks! Get a hot water bottle too to warm up the bed 1/2 hr before you get in. And if you cook in the oven leave the door open afterwards.

Becky123


Joined: 01/06/2011
Posts: 144

Message Posted:
20/11/2011 18:28

Thanks Julia/ pippie - fire has helped warm house up and windows were open to air house this weeked. Got hot water bottle : ) and it's not too bad now - we are trying air con on for 5 mins in room tonight to see and help with damp. Despite the change in weather here - still love it three months in - but ask me again end of feb hehe. I feel for you Dicky if you have come over for three months with weather as it is - but it has improved over weeked and hopefully days will be filled with sunshine like Pippie mentioned.



Becky

dailoukat


Joined: 12/03/2011
Posts: 168

Message Posted:
20/11/2011 18:37

mesg 33 i dont think mesg 32 is over romantising i just think he is making the most out of life not wasting his time being bitter an twisted and not getting a life

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
20/11/2011 19:16

msg 38... Hey, he(Trevturk) is new to the TRNC ,so of course he is enthusiastic.....But the fact remains that the "Build Quality" here in general is abominable,but if he is happy to live in a "concrete tent" then fine.. But romanticizing about the Summer does nothing to help in the Winter..."Build Houses with high Thermal efficiency or suffer the consequences", it's that simple. ...

mozgor



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 256

Message Posted:
20/11/2011 20:59

You could try a dehumidifier cos it would get rid of the dampness and the average temperature comes out 10-12 degrees hotter than it goes into the dehumidifier so it heats as well.

Jefferson


Joined: 17/05/2010
Posts: 360

Message Posted:
20/11/2011 22:25

We rent as you do. We purchased 2 double burn kerosine heaters and use one or both as necessary. Good heat output and when lit outside and then brought in there are no fumes. You will be able to resell when you no longer need them. Until then more jumpers!

Trevturk


Joined: 08/11/2011
Posts: 69

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 07:12

Thanks Martin your right I am new in TRNC but I've been living on mainland Turkey for 4 years (Fethiye) so I've got a lot of experiance of buying and selling sub quility property and what it's like to live in them both summer and winter...I just try to be positve in life otherwise all we do is see what's wrong all the time....

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 07:25

Trevturk, you are right - some people address the issues by moaning non-stop. We get on with it and enjoy ourselves.

As TRNCVaughan has pointed out above, the best, safest (and yes there are safety issues with free standing fires of the gas or kerosene variety) and most economical system for heating your villa is undoubtedly using the air conditioning as it's meant to be used. It will remove moisture ensuring the dreaded mould spores do not become a problem.

OK it is not free free but pound for pound (lira for lira) it is by far the best for removing that dank moist air that makes you feel like you will never warm up.

If you can't stand a cold bed then an electric blanket is a good idea. I don't like my bed too warm as I don't sleep properly if I can't cool down... but each to their own.

Becky123


Joined: 01/06/2011
Posts: 144

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 09:25

Tried the Air con Groucho and impressed with how quickly the room warmed up and also the air did not feel so damp afterwards - so thank you for your help.



Becky

MedOne


Joined: 01/01/2011
Posts: 27

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 13:06

I support the electrik blanket idea, keeps the wifes feet off you!