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Florida Cold
Posted: Feb 19, 2015
At the risk of getting tomatoes thrown at me for those people in the north, here in SW Florida, we're not used to cold weather. It's 56 today, and going into the 30s tonight. I can't stop shivering. The heat in many of the homes is not efficient at all (it shouldn't have to be!), and our windows and doors aren't insulated. We have an open floor plan and high, vaulted ceilings, so heating it is almost impossible. And it's windy out so all the cold here is coming in the house. I'm guessing our 50 degrees feels like other people's 20 degrees. Florida people understand.... ;
Yep -- I'm near Punta Gorda - nn
[ In Reply To ..]Just moved from a DUMPY mobile home where I had to use my stove for heat. Now, central heat and AC -- going down into the 30s tonight and grateful that this home is only 4 years old and WELL insulated. What gets me is the wind involved. We are actually getting wind chills and here in SW FL.
That is where I am! - From OP
[ In Reply To ..]I'm near PG, too. I felt a blast of cold air near our microwave oven, and I put my hand under it---sure enough, cold air was blowing down onto the stove.
Our attics and walls aren't insulated like up north, either, so it is hard to get this place warmed up. Hubby took the dryer hose off, and I did some laundry so the dryer would blow some hot air into the house! (Before anybody panics, it's not a gas dryer so we're safe!)
The only time I'm happy is when I'm under the covers in bed!
I would work on insulation then--sm - anon
[ In Reply To ..]Things such as dual-paned windows are a necessity in Florida as well as the north. If you work on insulation for doors, windows, attics, etc. it will definitely help with the cooling bills. I used to live near Palm Springs, CA where it was quite warm in the summer and insulation often meant the difference in one's electric bill. I do hope the cold passes for you soon and that any tender plants make it through with a minimum of loss.
Insulation - nn
[ In Reply To ..]You have to realize that MANY of the homes here are older. You can do so much for insulation, etc.; however, even living near Palm Springs (and I lived in Vegas for MANY years), people know that is a desert area and they do have homes with central air and heat. Here in FL, many of the OLDER homes do not have that feature. I just moved from a VERY old mobile home and there was no way that I could caulk my windows, etc. I would have to rely on my electric stove for heat. My significant other lives with a roommate in the Miami area and that home was built with NO central heat or air, so my S/O has to rely on a space heater to keep warm.
I am throwing a tomato at you. Feel it? - nana7
[ In Reply To ..]I am dreaming of the 50s. I am in Michigan and for over a week we have been in the negatives and with wind chill it is so cold it takes your breath away. When I woke up this morning we were -12 degrees before wind chill. The other day the actual temp was -27 before wind chill. In all my years I have never felt it this cold.
I will say I was in Florida a couple of years ago for 2 months with my son at Thanksgiving time and the cold is definitely different down there then it is here. Your 40 degrees feels like in the teens here. So I guess I will save my tomato and not throw it at you.
Ha-Ha! - From OP
[ In Reply To ..]I do agree we should insulate; it would definitely be best for the summers. Our house isn't real old--it was built in 1992 and is "New Florida" style.
I used to live in NJ, and while it didn't dip below zero often, it sure was cold anyway. But we could heat the house up good!
We covered all our outdoor tropical plants with sheets and things just to protect it from a direct frost. Our banana tree is our pride and joy, and it was just starting to show signs of growing a hand of bananas.
The cold here is wet cold, not dry. - It is horrible.
[ In Reply To ..]HORRIBLE!!!
-18 up north is almost nice. Crisp and fresh.
40 here is bone-penetrating nastiness. You can't get warm no matter what, your joints ache, and everything feels damp. Usually because it is ... the humidity is almost high enough to fog and nothing dries.
cheap fix - idea
[ In Reply To ..]Could put bubble wrap on the windows. I've done that (both in RV & house), makes a huge difference. May not look pretty, but if temperature control is the goal, then do what you have to. I've also been known to hang blankets in front of doors & windows to block cold air. When we lived up north, we had a "house destruction party" & tore down old walls, then got some insulation, scrap lumber, put up new walls. Later, when money available, put up new sheetrock. In-laws & kids were able to vent any & all frustration in helping us tear down walls. It was great fun & cheap labor.
Good Idea - From OP
[ In Reply To ..]I may have to do something if this keeps up! It has been a while since it's dipped into the 30s, so I hope this isn't a trend. I have wall-to-wall windows and sliders, which doesn't help my cause! We're about 2300 sq feet, 1800 of it which is almost like one big room.
We're making pizza in the oven tonight!
Yum - idea
[ In Reply To ..]I do that too, love pizza. We live south now, but I'm so sensitive to temperature changes that I always have to do something to stabilize things. My house up north was from 1918, so it had nothing for insulation. Heating bill was insane! Down south, I still get chilled. Baking is good for heating. I have a couple blankets tacked onto certain walls to help. In winter, I roll up socks & put on doorknobs. My fingers aren't very good anymore & ache in the cold. I'd move farther south if I could! What we'll end up doing is moving west to the mountains & desert.
Arthritis - From OP
[ In Reply To ..]I can definitely feel my arthritis kicking up in this colder weather. My fingers are practically glued shut when I wake up in the morning.
We'll be back in business this weekend, going back up to 70's/80s.
Mylar Sun Shade Protector for Front Windshield - WarmWorries
[ In Reply To ..]work great over windows in the house. They reflect the heat back into the room and make a big difference. I get mine at the Dollar Tree in the automotive section. I get aluminum tape from Lowes to fasten them together. They have mylar on one side and then a foam insulation on the other. It's a cheap fix and it works well. They don't look real chic but when the wind chill is -27 with 50 mph winds, you are glad you gottem over the windows.
Lucky you - anon
[ In Reply To ..]For the last 2 days here in Iowa it has overed around 0-3 degrees with with wind chill making it -15 to -30. If it was 56 here, people would be wearing shorts and T-shirts.
Weather Perceptions - From OP
[ In Reply To ..]It is so very interesting. When I lived up north, we used to visit SW FL once a year. We were fine wearing shorts when the temperature dipped. Now, we can't take it.
There is a medical fact (or so I've heard) that the membranes on your organs thicken to protect it from the cold when you live up north. In FL, your membranes aren't as thick. They used to say your blood thins, but the membrane one makes more sense in terms of feeling the chill. SO, I'm sure if it stayed cold here, we'd somehow adjust!
Hot drinks are your friend--sm - anon
[ In Reply To ..]Hot cocoa, hot tea, hot coffee, or hot broth. These things go a long way to heating you up from the inside. It is what I do on chilly days when I am trying to keep from monkeying with the thermostat.
I should do that - From OP
[ In Reply To ..]I should have a cup of something when it's like this. I never thought of that. Just not in the habit of drinking hot liquids, except for my cup of coffee in the a.m.
I did have a nice hot, steamy bowl of oatmeal this morning. That sure hit the spot.
winterizing tips - Ayn
[ In Reply To ..]No tomato chucking here - you are aclimated to Florida weather and not getting it right now -- I understand it feels "cold" to you even if I would LOVE that temp myself right now.
As someone living in the Midwest with no heater in my home (broke several years ago and we cannot affort to fix it),older home (60+ years), vaulted ceilings, many large windows (back half of my house on 2nd floor is ALL windows), and 2 sliding doors letting in cold air -- here are some things we do to help.
Winterize your home -- At least in our part of the country, Walmart sells a product by 3M - plastic sheets you use to cover windows and then shrink wrap with a hair dryer. Keeps out the drafts and helps quite a bit. Also, we are not above stuffing cracks in doors with towels, pushing towels and blankets up against the bottom of doors, hanging blankets over windors/doorways, etc. Doesn't look pretty, but who cares when your toes are numb?
For windows you don't cover with blankets - open the blinds/curtains during the day and let the sunshine in. It may not be warm outside, but the sun through the glass will generate a little heat indoors.
Cook with your oven and stovetop whenever possible. A roast or other dish that takes some time is great. This will generate heat in the kitchen and help. Cook a chili, stew, or soup on the stovetop instead of in a crock pot. Again, stovetop will generate some heat. When done cooking, leave the oven door open and let the heat out into the room. (Don't use the oven as a space heater ! - just let the heat dissipate into the room as you cook and/or let the oven cool down.) Run the dishwasher at night when it is colder -- the heated dry/steam functions will generate a little heat in your kitchen. Every little bit helps!
Also run your clothes dryer at night when possible -- same principle.
Space heaters. Be cautious, rotate them, don't leave them unattended, etc, but they do help. We have heated our entire home with space heaters for several years now. We rotate them out and we do not leave them unattended, we watch where they are and what is in front of them, etc. Be careful as they can be a fire hazard, but if you are at home working all day you can monitor this.
As another poster said -- warm drinks and soup! These really do help you mentally feel warm and are comforting.
My husband has learned this trick and it feels SOOOOO good -- throw a full-size blanket or lap blanket, your sweats, slippers, Snuggie -- whatever you bundle up in while watching TV/relaxing in the evening -- throw it in the dryer for 10 minutes before snuggling in. (Our dryer even has a "warm up" setting on it - it is for 10 or 15 minutes, I can't remember exactly) To retain the heat, I've also learned to throw another blanket on top of that warmed-up blanket or article of clothing to keep the heat in longer and closer to your body. I sleep with a full-size body pillow, so he throws that in the dryer right before I go to bed too -- mmmmmmm!
Heating pads -- behind you while you work or in bed at night. Again, be careful and don't burn yourself - use cautiously - but they can and do help.
Electric blankets if they sell them locally. They're common here - maybe not so much there?? If you do use one -- put it UNDER you as the bottom sheet on the bed or at the very least be sure to put another blanket or comforter over it to keep the heat IN the bed and not floating up to the ceiling -- always remember heat rises so heat UNDER you will be more beneficial than heat above you.
If they sell them locally or you can find on-line - flannel sheets are a wonderful invention for winter!
Layer your clothing. Walmart & Penneys sell very reasonably priced, thin/silky textured "thermal" underwear -- at least in the Midwest, maybe not so much in Florida I suppose -- but layer your clothes as best you can. Wear a t-shirt, turtleneck, thinner shirt under a sweatshirt. Wear sweats over jeans if you have to. Double up on socks. I realize maybe things are not sold/available as easily there as they are here - but surely you have a few long-sleeved shirts/sweatshirts/windbreaker? It may not look all that fashionable, but it will keep you warm. Honestly, in the worst of times here I have been sitting at my desk with 3 layers of shirts on, 2 layers of pants, my winter coat, a stocking hat, 2 pairs of socks and my shoes, and gloves with the fingertips cut off so I can type. Again - not a pretty sight, but it kept me warm. Fortunately, so far this winter I have not sunk so low as to wear the coat and gloves!
You are prepared! - From OP
[ In Reply To ..]Wow, you do have a lot of good information.
I threw out our cold weather clothes when we moved here, but kept a couple of things. I kept a long-sleeved flannel shirt and a couple pairs of long pants. I got rid of the winter coats, but kept a few light jackets. I have to say I regret throwing out my pajamas! I switched over to sleep shirts with short or no sleeves. I have it figured out, though, and have enough covers on the bed. I did keep 2 comforters we had from up north, so that was a good thing!
Thanks for the info!
Insulation priorities - sm
[ In Reply To ..]I have worked with licensed insulation contractors. The most dollar efficient ways to decrease energy use:
Insulate attic. Heat rises. Fireplace chimneys actually lose a lot of heat.
Air seal. There is weather stripping to go around windows and doors. Actually for a couple of hundred dollars, you can have a professional come in and do this for you.
Look for big air leaks. I have actually seen pictures on the walls that are covering up holes in the walls.
Least effective: Replacing windows, wall insulation. The cost versus the savings is not worth it.
I agree you can use the plastic wrap to cover the windows and keep your windows clean to allow in the maximum amount of sun heat.
Do not heat your home with dryer vent in the long term. There are fibers in that exhaust air that will coat your walls, etc., and eventually become a fire hazard.
Mobile homes. Probably some good skirting so the wind does not go underneath the house. The "belly" should be insulated.
Stay warm! Going to be 10 below tonight here in Minnesota.
DIY hot pack - anon
[ In Reply To ..]There are directions online for some pretty ones to sew but you can simplify and make yourself a quick hot pack. Many of the sewing ones include rice and sometimes herbs that are warmed in the microwave. They are great for cold feet. You could make a quick one by placing rice in a tube sock and using a rubber band to secure it. I would look up online how long to heat it for and put it under the covers where your feet go.
Get a down comforter. Stay under it. - Comfy in St Pete
[ In Reply To ..]You could be naked and you wouldn't care.
I live in AZ, so I know what you mean. Actually, - sm
[ In Reply To ..]I am cold blooded my nature, so even though our high was 81 today, I ran the heat pump to get the indoor temperature up a little. I hate COLD weather. I keep a small electric blanket handy to snuggle under while transcribing if it gets too cold. I actually can't wait for summer. I don't feel like I really thaw out until we have a few weeks of 100-degree-plus days (though it gets old by August).
I have like a twin size electric cover/blanket - hubby does not care for one so
[ In Reply To ..]bought one for my side of the bed. Got it at Costco. I turn it up high for about 5 minutes, then turn down to low and it heats the side of my bed for about 4 hours, going off by itself. By then I am warm and toasty and sleep really well. I also have a big, comfy fur like bedspread that is just too sumptuous! I love it, just got from HSN this year.
You Are All Very Kind - From OP
[ In Reply To ..]I seriously thought tomatoes (if not frozen ones) were going to be thrown at me.
My husband works in a hardware store, and they do not have most of the stuff suggested---mainly because we don't need it, because the cold isn't long term.
Interesting conversation and thanks so much for the help! If at least the support. I honestly thought northerners were going come at me with a vengeance---which I wouldn't blame them. At least we don't have the precipitation in the winter here, so that means no snow or other freezing elements....
Hi - me
[ In Reply To ..]I think most of us can relate to feeling cold no matter where we live. I'm still looking for the "perfect" place, but it's not out there. Everywhere I go, I simply adapt to the weather in the area & get cold again when winter arrives. I got rid of most of my winter stuff when we left a place that had ice in the ground even in June, but we're far south now & I do wear layers & it helps a lot. For clothes, you get the thin clothes the south offers & then pile them on when you're cold. It works wonders! :) I also have pets & have had them on my lap & on my feet which also does wonders. I sleep with a dog & a cat in winter & we all do just fine. In summer, they prefer the tile floor. You'll find something to keep you warm.
Thanks - From OP
[ In Reply To ..]I swear, if I do see a snowflake, I'm moving to the Caribbean! I'm down in FL far enough so that shouldn't happen, but just to the north of us we were told they had flurries a ways back. I think it was in the 1980s.
Thanks to all for getting me through this rough time, LOL.
One more thing... - A transcriptionist
[ In Reply To ..]I have a couple of one-piece pajamas with feet in them, and they keep me oh-so-warm! No shirt riding up, making my back cold. No capri-length pants causing cold ankles and feet. Just comfort!
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