Ceiling Fan?

[banana]

My bedroom is the coldest in the whole house. It has 3 outside walls. The temperature is usually at least a 5 degree difference in the rest of the house it is more when it is really cold and windy outside. I have oil baseboard heat. Do you think if I run my ceiling fan on low clockwise will it help push the heat down? I dont know what else to do. I run a small electrical heater in there for an hour or so before we go to bed but when I wake up I am freezing as it usually goes down to 58-60 in my bedroom because I only leave the heat on 65. We dont have another room to sleep in so that is out of the question. I have 3 windows in my room and they are only a couple of years old. Any suggestions on making the room warmer? I would love to lower the temp more in my house but cant since there is at least a 5 degree difference in our bedroom.

We also added extra insulation in our attic a few years back as well.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I dont feel comfortable leaving a space heater or electric blanket on all night.

[missyali]

Mattress pad warmer is my dad's best friend in the winter. I think they may be in the over $25 range...

[monkeywrangler71]

I've heard the ceiling fan suggestion before, but personally it just makes me feel colder, but I can't stand draft of any kind.

I used to live in the coldest room in the house when I was a kid - one day I found ice in my closet! I was on the north corner and right over the furnace room, so no insulation below me.

Have you thought of insulated curtains or quilts on the windows? Even new windows let out heat. I've actually been thinking of hanging quilts on the walls in my youngest child's room since it is colder in there and the walls are very cold to the touch. Hanging tapestries are what they used to use to keep rooms warm in old castles, so I'm thinking quilts or blankets might act as another layer of insulation. I haven't done it yet though, so can't say if it would make any difference.

[Ceashels]

Are your walls insulated? We found out that ours are not! Our house was built in the 1940's.

Can you hang a quilt or blanket between your bed and the wall? We had an extra sheet of drywall from a remodel of a different room (when we found no insulation) and we "stored it" in the place where our headboard would have been. It took the chill "off" the wall where we slept, and I will be draping a spare blanket over it when it gets a little colder.

I have also found that if I put a flannel sheet UNDER the fitted sheet, I will also stay warmer. I think the texture of it helps hold my heat against me. You can also try a sleep sack made of flannel (think of it as a large pillowcase for your body). I used one when I was younger at a youth hostel and it was comfy.

[kabin63]

Is your bedroom over a crawl space? If it is it could be lacking insulation underneath to hold heat as well. If not, you could try what I did this week.
I took polar fleece, was on sale at fabric store, and make a curtain out of it with a pocket on top and bottom. Then use tension rods to hold inside the window trim. Just make sure you measure. I think I got 5 windows done for less than $35.00. If u don't sew all u need is an iron and some stitch witchery. It really blocks the cool air that transfers from the windows, even when they are air tight.
I also used seasonal caulk to seal any leaks the window might have, even to where they come together. Don't forget about insulating your wall outlets too. I was amazed to feel how much air was coming through them. The inslation pads at Lowe's are about $1.99 for 6. Not too bad, but it is a small piece of foam. Works though.
Hope this helps a little.
Kathy

[Studentmom]

These are great suggestions. But, I don't understand about insulating your outlets. Is this the plastic baby protectors?

[Jaded]

The ceiling fan has to be turned to draw the air up and circulate it. In other words, run it in reverse. Should be a switch on it.

[Ceashels]

These are great suggestions. But, I don't understand about insulating your outlets. Is this the plastic baby protectors?

I believe she is referring to the foam cut outs that fit inside the outlet cover to make it an air tight seal.

http://dinogy.com/entry/31/energy-sa...e-your-outlets
is a picture of what they look like.

[banana]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!I did have the ceiling fan on low last night and it got down to 64 in the room so it helped somewhat. Our bedroom is over the basement not a crawl space I should talk to dh about insulating it. I'm not sure if there is insulation in the walls or not. The house was built in the early 60's.

[dianne9106]

You can also try the window insulating kits they sell at Home Depot or Lowes that are clear plastic if using a material is not an option. Good Luck!
Diann

[claimsgirl66]

I too use the window insulation kits and they often come with the free electrical outlet foam as well.

[genesisgirl]

The ceiling fan has to be turned to draw the air up and circulate it. In other words, run it in reverse. Should be a switch on it.

Here's an easy way to figure out which way your ceiling fan should be going: the switch should be in the "up" position for winter (to draw air up and circulate heat) and in the "down" position for summer (to push air down and provide cooling).

[Edna_E]

At the risk of seeming "cold" hearted, I only keep my heat set to 60, and I have never frozen. wear socks or slippers, and sleep in warm pajamas or sweats or thermals.

[EmilyD]

I have used the outlet insulators and they do help. They need to be used on all outside walls.

[goat21]

Hello.

First time poster here, but I have a question regarding use of the ceiling fan. I have one in the same room as the woodstove and I have it set so it forces the air down. I thought that was the way to do it because hot air rises. Should it actually be going in the opposite direction?

Janis