In reading the comments on a post where someone asked what things are worth it even though they aren't frugal, I was surprised to see several people say they can't give up hot showers when they get cold. This doesn't make sense, as getting wet can make you cold. But also it wastes not just water, but the energy to heat the water which then goes down the drain. And even though water is cheap, it's not cheap for our cities to provide clean water. Better to use a hot water bottle or electric blanket?
Suggested ways to quickly get warm?
byu/gateamosjuntos inFrugal
Posted by gateamosjuntos
21 Comments
Yes that is extremely wasteful but a few internet randos does not mean it’s a widespread thing. I’ve not known anyone who specifically showers everytime they’re cold, that’s ineffective and nonsensical.
Insulated hot water bottle/bag and a electric heated blanket combined. Thick clothes and sit under blankets with all of it in a dome shape.
There’s certainly multiple types of frugal in this sub. I’ll buy the cheaper toilet paper, but i’m not giving up hot running water when I shower, dude.
Drink a warm drink. Chicken noodle soup. A sweater and fluffy socks. Chase the hubby around the bedroom.
Hot showers when it’s cold feel good, it’s as simple as that.
A hot cup of soup or similar. You have to move to make it. Warms your hands and internal systems as you eat, also perks up the metabolism as it digests the food, which further warms you up. Then wrap up while you are still warm from the soup.
Rice heating pads from microwave on feet with warm your whole body. Wearing a WOOL beanie (not acrylic yarn) will as well.
Drink a hot drink, do squats. Jumping jacks , layer up. wear a hat . Wear two pairs of socks.
A heated blanket is an investment, but it’s pennies per day and keeps you so very warm.
I put a dog on my lap. Kill two birds with one pet – she’s warm and I am warm.
Do yall not have blankets?
I owned a deer camp on 11 acres in the foothills of the Ozarks in Arkansas. There was always work to do on the driveway, which was a quarter mile long.
When it was really cold I found that a shovel warmed me up pretty fast.
I would never take a hot shower just because I’m cold, but I am a hot shower kind of person when I need a shower. The company that provides my natural gas has a peak hour up-charge so I bundle up with blankets, wool clothing and my electric blanket to stay warm.
An electric throw is my go to
Drink warm water instead or invest in a fleece robe that will save you tons of money.
Hubby and I splurged on a heated mattress pad…best purchase EVER! We turn both sides on before we get in bed, and then it’s just on low to just barely warm the covers, then we almost always turn it off for sleeping unless it’s super cold. We wear cozy sweatpants, fuzzy jackets, and wool socks during the day.
I’ve run a space heater and used a heated foot massage machine to stay warm. It rarely gets bitterly cold where I live.
Hot showers is for when you’re so cold in your house it gets unbearable in my experience.
The goal is to prevent that by putting other methods in place before you reach that point.
In terms of efficiency, you are right, hot water bottle, electric blanket under your back in the bed, double socks, knit cap, fleece jacket, eating a hot soup / drink / stew, isolating the house properly… All good measures beforehand.
I have a lot of body insulation that helps me stay warm but if the insulation gets cold, there’s not much that will reheat my body until that is warmed up again. I’d rather shower than shiver under blankets with my hands and feet freezing.
I think the best is a heating rice pad that you put in the micro-wave, but I don’t actually know.
Sometimes, my feet are so cold that it doesn’t work and I do a warm water foot bath.
Does being frugal involve telling other people how to shower or when not to shower? I’m not going door to door with a hot water bottle and instructions. I’d just rather not be frugal if that’s the case