I live in San Diego, CA and have been hesitant to use the heating system or a space heater because of the rise in my utility bill (just graduated college). Although the temperature is about 60 in the day, it gets into the 40s at night and in the early morning. At this rate I figure I am going to have to give in our get pneumonia. What do most people in Southern California do in the winter? Freeze to death, run up high utility bills or... ?
Back home in Massachusetts there was no question, you use the heat, but even in the dead of winter you would never let your house temperature get as cold as it gets here.
2006-12-06 08:31:55 · 10 answers · asked by El Cupacabra 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ San Diego
wear extra layers and use blankets
2006-12-06 08:33:50 · answer #1 · answered by Richard H 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You didn't state what type of energy your heating system uses. If it is electricity you are right, it would be quite costly, but if it is natural gas, go ahead and turn it on and use it. Natural gas rates aren't that expensive, even in the winter.and I'm sure your gas utility company has an "annual cost averaging" plan if you were concerned about the cost. Opening your curtains during daylight hours so the sun can help warm the interior of your home will help to minimize the time your heating system has to run at night to maintain a constant temperature .I leave my thermostat set at 70 degrees 24/7 all winter long and it doesn't cost that much.
2006-12-09 15:34:39 · answer #2 · answered by Peedlepup 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I lived in San Diego, CA for 3 1/2 years, actually El Cajon. I have recently moved because my hubby is in military but loved it there because of the warm temps. I have to say that we personally used the electric heat a little but mostly used our fireplace and most of the time, we spent outside hanging out with neighbors using our fire pit and wearing warm clothing. It is a nice social thing. Also, I liked to cook things that took a while or used the oven because it helped warm up the place while cooking. My oven kept my downstairs quite warm in the evenings. Also, we used the tiny little heaters for the bathrooms for at night and early in the morning use. I know the electric bill is outrageous there but it is worth it staying cozy. It is a lot cheaper though with a fireplace inside and a fire pit outside to stay warm during the fall/winter months, especially with those Santa Ana winds! Maybe consider finding an apartment or condo with fireplace. Wood is so much cheaper and you can always burn your papers in your fireplace, as long as your are careful!
2006-12-06 16:40:39 · answer #3 · answered by sweetasnectarin1 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a heating pad - I use one for my back in the evenings, and I've found that it keeps the rest of me warm enough that I haven't had to turn on my heat yet this winter! For really cold mornings I have a small space heater that I put on for a few minutes in the bathroom in the mornings just to get the chill out.
2006-12-06 16:41:18 · answer #4 · answered by woodlands127 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I use a down quilt at night, nice and toasty. I bought a radiant heater at Bed Bath Beyond to use when I sit at my desk, but could use it anywhere. Only uses 400 watts and puts out a lot of heat. Theres also an 800 watt setting to heat you up quicker. I have not turned my central heater on in LA in over 3 years.
2006-12-06 20:20:03 · answer #5 · answered by falou 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We live in an old, uninsulated,two story house, the windows and door leak, we do not use the heater either. I agree with the fireplace, baking and cooking and down comforters, also thick curtians or drapes,some type of insulated window coverings helps greatly, as do thick socks and sweats, Heat lamps are quite effective too.
2006-12-07 14:23:26 · answer #6 · answered by swede 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flannel shirts, Jackets or sweaters during the day. LOTS of blankets or HEAVY blankets at night.
2006-12-06 16:35:33 · answer #7 · answered by trollwzrd 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
invest in good blankets, if you can sleep with your clothes for the next day at your feet so that they are warm to get dressed into. they actually say that people stay warmer if you sleep naked (if you have good quality bedding), wear slippers, and wool. the key is good layering
2006-12-06 16:38:21 · answer #8 · answered by whiteafrican01 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Use an electric blanket at night. It helps alot.
2006-12-06 16:33:18 · answer #9 · answered by kathy p 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sweaters,sweatshirts ,warm socks,which I am sure you are already doing. Crawling into bed with another warm body helps also.
2006-12-06 16:35:18 · answer #10 · answered by Dfirefox 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋