Running a dehumidifier can definitely make things feel more comfortable, especially in older homes. I've noticed in my own place—built in the '40s with insulation that's seen better days—that lowering humidity helps the air feel warmer even without bumping up the thermostat. It's not a miracle fix, but it does make a noticeable difference. Worth giving it a shot this winter, especially if you've already tackled drafts. Let us know how it goes...
"lowering humidity helps the air feel warmer even without bumping up the thermostat"
That's interesting... hadn't really thought about humidity affecting warmth indoors. I've mostly focused on sealing drafts around my windows (which helped a ton), but now I'm curious if a dehumidifier could make things even cozier. Did you notice any difference in condensation on your windows too? My place gets pretty foggy panes in winter, so maybe this could help with that as well. Anyway, sounds promising—hope it works out for you!
I've been running a dehumidifier in winter for a couple years now, and it definitely makes the place feel warmer without cranking up the heat. As for condensation, yeah, it helps with that too. My windows used to look like a steamed-up shower door every morning, but now they're mostly clear—unless I'm cooking pasta or something, haha. Just a heads-up though, dehumidifiers can bump up your electric bill a bit, so keep an eye on that.
Interesting take on the dehumidifier—I can definitely see how it helps with condensation. But I'm curious, have you tried any simpler fixes first, like weather stripping or those plastic window insulation kits? I've been in my place for over a decade now, and I used to get those icy drafts and foggy windows too. A few years back, I finally gave in and sealed up the windows with that shrink-wrap plastic stuff (yeah, it looks kinda goofy, but hey, it works). It made a surprising difference, and my electric bill didn't budge much at all. Maybe it's worth giving a shot if you're concerned about the extra electricity from the dehumidifier? Or did you already try that route and find it wasn't enough?
- Good point about the shrink-wrap stuff—I tried it once, but honestly, it didn't hold up well with my curious cat pawing at it.
- Weather stripping helped a bit, but I still noticed condensation building up on colder days.
- I'm intrigued by the dehumidifier idea, though... does it noticeably raise your electric bill, or is it pretty manageable?
Yeah, shrink-wrap didn't last long here either—my dog thought it was a new toy. Dehumidifiers can help, but honestly, running mine bumped the electric bill up noticeably. Still worth it for comfort, just something to keep in mind...
I had a similar experience with shrink-wrap, minus the dog drama—my cat was the culprit. She didn't exactly tear it apart, but she pawed at it enough to loosen the seal, making the whole thing pretty pointless. After that fiasco, I decided to bite the bullet and invest in some decent thermal curtains. They're not exactly cheap, but honestly, they've been a game changer. Not only do they block drafts, but they also help keep the room darker, which is great if you're sensitive to early morning sunlight.
As for dehumidifiers, I totally get what you're saying about the electric bill. I ran one in my basement last summer, and while it definitely made the space more comfortable, the spike in electricity usage was noticeable. I ended up putting mine on a timer to run during off-peak hours, which helped a bit. Still, it's one of those trade-offs you have to weigh—comfort versus cost.
One thing I've found surprisingly effective (and budget-friendly) is weatherstripping tape. It's not glamorous, and applying it can be a bit tedious, but it really does cut down on drafts around windows and doors. Plus, it's pet-proof—at least so far. My cat hasn't shown any interest in peeling it off yet, thankfully.
Another trick I've tried is using draft stoppers at the base of doors. You know, those fabric tubes filled with rice or beans? They look a bit goofy, but they work surprisingly well. My wife even made a couple herself, and now they're scattered around the house like weird decorative snakes.
Anyway, glad you found something that works for you. Dealing with drafts and humidity can feel like an endless battle sometimes, but every little improvement counts...
Thermal curtains were a solid choice. I went that route myself after a few frustrating winters with shrink-wrap. My dog didn't tear it up, but the kids poked enough holes in it to make it useless. The curtains definitely made a noticeable difference, especially in the bedrooms.
Totally agree about the weatherstripping tape too—tedious as heck to apply, but worth the effort. I did all my windows last fall, and it was one of those "why didn't I do this sooner?" moments. Haven't tried the homemade draft stoppers yet, but your description made me laugh...my mom used to have those bean-filled snakes everywhere when I was a kid. Maybe it's time to bring them back.
Anyway, sounds like you've got a good handle on things now. It's always satisfying when you finally find solutions that actually work and don't break the bank.
Did you notice a big difference in your heating bill after putting up those thermal curtains? I've been thinking about getting some myself, but wasn't sure if they'd be worth it. The shrink-wrap method drove me nuts too—especially when the tape would randomly peel off mid-winter. And those bean-filled snakes...haha, my grandma had them everywhere too. Maybe they're secretly making a comeback?
I totally get your frustration with the shrink-wrap method...I tried it last winter, and let's just say my patience wore thin pretty quickly when the tape decided to give up halfway through January. As for thermal curtains, I put some up in our living room and bedroom about two months ago, and honestly, I've noticed a decent difference. It's not like night-and-day dramatic, but the rooms definitely feel cozier, especially on windy nights. Haven't gotten my heating bill yet to see exact numbers, but I'm cautiously optimistic.
Funny you mention those bean-filled snakes—my mom gave me one as a housewarming gift (nostalgia much?). At first I laughed it off, but now it's actually become my go-to draft stopper for the front door. Maybe grandma knew what she was doing all along...