1. The “grate”
Homeowners would cut a hole between the first and second floor and insert a grate that would allow the hot air from below to rise into the second floor.
2. The “nightcap”
If you’ve ever slept in a cold tent during winter, then you know the need for a “nightcap.” This was a head covering that could be a knitted cap or, in Artic climates, a fur cap.
If you've been wondering how our forefathers managed to keep warm without the central heat on, they had to find other ways, such as the “nightcap” and the “grate.” The above and following were some of their ideas, implemented with care, and they were all the stronger for it!
To find out a few other methods they used in the olden days, visit the next slide. All of these methods may seem simple, but who knows when survivalists will need to use them again when SHTF!
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1. The “grate.” Homeowners would cut a hole between the first and second floor and insert a grate that would allow the hot air from below to rise into the second floor.
2. The “nightcap.” If you’ve ever slept in a cold tent during winter, then you know the need for a “nightcap.” This was a head covering that could be a knitted cap or, in Artic climates, a fur cap.
3. Layers on layers of insulation. Layering is a common concept for anyone in winter, and layers of sheets, blankets and quilts made a sleeping arrangement warm and warmer.
4. Sleep with the dog. The shared body heat from a pet can help.
5. Night clothes beyond pajamas. Their night clothes were often heavyweight combinations of wool and thick, cotton flannel.
6. Snuggling. Families often slept together in the same bed.
7. Hot iron. Hot pieces of iron were sometimes heated on the top of a wood-burning stove or in a fireplace and then placed into a metal bucket. The bucket was then brought to the bedroom and placed on the floor or even under the bed. The radiant heat from the hot iron lasted for hours.
#savedyouaclick
Fairbanks Alaska when it used to get – 60 degrees then used to take to snow in the yard and bank the house with it to add another layer of insulation
We do the same in Vermont
In Scandinavia I know 3 things:
1. Echo the wool pajamas with a flap for the bum 🙂
2. Central chimney layout w/ room furnaces (small tile stoves sharing exhaust), even if just for luxury cozyness
3. Attic covered in insulation sheets, anything else goes on top of that
In China I know an ancient method: stone beds. Light a fire under them in the evening and the stone would hold the heat. Obviously they had a vent for the smoke, but it’s not an inconceivable alternative to the Hot Iron, a bed warmer, or a water bottle in a sleeping bag, or similar.
And oh yeah, I just came up with another one.
1. Temp rated sleeping bags 🙂 haha
Bizarre???? Even with a forced air furnace we have done all of these “bizarre” ways to keep warm on frigid nights….well except the grate, we live in a ranch. Nothing new or old about winter.
How are any if those bizarre? I do all but the first every night