It’s so cold it could freeze the balls off a brass monkey!
Ever heard the term “It’s so cold that it would freeze the balls off a brass monkey”?
Well if you haven’t, it has nothing to do with our primate cousins. It said to be an old navy saying that refers to the stand that cannon balls used to sit on called the brass monkey. When is was very cold, the brass monkey would contract, and the iron cannon balls would fall off. Some say this is not quite factual, but I like the analogy.
Anyway, this has nothing to do with my challenge, except for the temperature part and the catchy name!
Brass Monkey Challenge
We are challenging ourselves here at the house of GoG to see how long we can go without turning on the heating for winter. As we live in a temperate climate with very few frosts, then it is a moderately difficulty challenge.
The long-term average low for June is 6.9°C and the high is 14.1°C. Certainly hypothermia causing weather if caught outside for a period of time without any clothing layers. July and August is slightly colder.
Rising Gas Prices
Natural gas prices here in Australia are scheduled to rise dramatically over the next few years. Domestic gas prices have been historically low compared to the world market, and now that gas exports are on the rise, so are the domestic prices. In NSW, prices are expected to rise by as much as A$225 per household bill for those on a regulated tariff. That is scary stuff.
So what better way to save money (and greenhouse gas emission), by trying your best to cut back a little.
Our Progress So Far
It is already at the end of the first month of winter and we are doing well so far. Our main heating for the house is two natural gas wall heaters, that blow hot air around the main living areas. These two units are currently turned off without the pilot lights running.
We also have two energy-efficient reverse cycle air conditioners that could be used for heating, one in Kim’s office and one in the main bedroom. Both of these are off as well, however Kim did turn her heater on for an hour to heat up her office the other day when it was a max temp of 10°C during the day.
Keeping Warm
So how do we keep warm?
Well, we are keeping toasty warm by using a few methods. The home is insulated with blown paper pulp in the ceiling, which traps the heat in.
During the evening we keep toasty warm by using cell blankets on our laps when sitting.
During the day, we passively heat the house when it is sunny by opening the blinds on the north side of the house. This heats up my office, the main bedroom, and the lounge room. Just before the sun sets we close the blinds to lock the heat in the room. All of our binds have pelmets fitted above them to prevent the air circulating behind them which cools the air in the room.
We also wear layers indoors, and dress appropriately for the season. At night we wear warm dressing gowns and slippers.
Our beds have thick continental quilts and organic cotton blankets to keep us warm at night. Very snuggly!
Join The Challenge
So what do you think? Do you want to join us in the Brass Monkey Challenge? You may already be participating, which is great. Even if you have the heating on, but would like to give this a go, chime in with a comment if you want to take up the challenge.
Each fortnight during the remainder of winter, I am going to post tips and tricks on how to stay warm without the need for whole home heating.
So what are you waiting for? Join the challenge. You might even save a bit of money in the process.
Somehow i don’t think my house mates will be joining me Gav. Though i have noticed that there has been a reduction in heater use since i draped throw rugs over everything. You wont believe that im still sleeping with the door open to the outside. Its cold but im still snuggly warm under dooners. Of course, there is the matter of having personal insulation – you know what i mean……..
Sleep wonderfully warm with Lynda…. LOL isnt that how the jingle goes?
Didn’t that used to be an ad or something?
Nice work guys. Your house has always been wonderfully warm on cool days when I have visited so I reckon you will come close to making the entire winter. I guess this last week with all its rain and clouds would have been more challenging than the week before with its warmer days and sunshine.
You’re right Jessie. It was easy until about a week ago, when temperatures dropped. We are still managing quite well. An extra layer of clothes certainly beats a higher gas bill!
Hi Gav,
I don’t think our climate is right for the challenge. It’s regularly below zero overnight – minus 7.5 the other night!
However, we do try to be as frugal as possible with our wood heater, and most of the time we live in one room to save wasting heat on heating hallways and little-used rooms. We also have knee rugs, and if it’s just me at home I might delay lighting the fire and sit with a hot water bottle on my lap. Although we use about half the firewood of other houses, the Winter’s are getting warmer so I’m aiming to reduce a little bit on last year’s usage.
Our electricity is the one we are really working on and we’ve got it down to about 50% of the average for a household of three. I’ve just gone back to handwashing dishes in an effort to get it even lower. I think the studies about the environmental impact of washing dishes are probably funded by the dishwasher companies, and if you’re efficient with the water you are saving electricity and avoiding putting chemicals down the drain. And plunging your hands into a sink of hot water helps you to stay warm on cold days!
Madeleine.x
The good thing is though Madeleine is that you have a sustainable source of wood to keep your house warm with.
Hi again,
maximum of 7 here today, and overcast – better get a load of wood in!!
Madeleine.x
I love my Electric Blanket! Even have a hot throw rug now!good luck with your challenge!
Carol, I have even seen USB seat warmers, that plug into your computer.
We collect our own wood from fallen trees at friend’s farms, split it and use it in our wood heater. Free wood=free heat.
And sustainable as well…
That is commendable Gavin. I would love to do this but I doubt my partner would give it a go. I have managed to tell him that a heater is not necessary at night and to use a hot water bottle and layer the blankets instead.
Nice one Erin. Hot water bottles and body warmth are much better than just heating the air in a bedroom. Extra blankets work wonders. We have two doonas, and two blankets on the bed at the moment, and we feel just right.
Yes Gav, a commendable challenge. Well done. But as I have a wood heater and live on a bush block with plenty of firewood, I’m not going to join you! Although there are days when I don’t bother to light the fire and just put on more clothes and feel fine. There is always that electric blanket to look forward to at night, though. 😉
Thats alright Bev, you have a cheap source of fuel anyway.
Good challenge, Gavin. Over here in Adelaide, we did not use any heating at all last winter which was warmer than average. So far this winter we have not yet turned on our gas heater. Like you, we add warm layers of clothing including wool thermal underwear when it is below 10C during the day. We also make sure we move regularly and use hot water bottles if sitting for long periods. It is not unusual for us to wear our beanies and mittens indoors in the middle of winter. Hot drinks also help as do early bedtimes, snuggled under the duvet with a good book. The only time this is a problem is when we have visitors who are not as ‘hardy’ as we are. We very rarely entertain during evenings in winter and our friends usually keep all their outdoor clothing on when they visit us. We warm them up with hot drinks and stimulating conversation!
All the best, Veronique.
Good point about visitors Veronique. During winter we love to light the pizza oven and sit around a brazier outside. That way, they when they walk inside after being in the cold, they always mention how warm it is inside, even though we have no heating on.
HI Currently sitting in bed as I write this in Brisbane in a caravan I have three layers on and a hood over my head, just trying to get out of bed to make my breakfast. But I am LED lighting. My husband is currently out cycling and left with five layers on. He is keen. I am a great believer in layers of clothing and blankets on my bed so I can easily adapt to the changes in temperatures through out the day. I think it is cold here in Brisbane QLD and would normally be in the northern part of Australia by now but due to family commitments I am still here. I am not a winter person and understand why the grey nomads spend their winters up north.
Regards
Melinda
Bit of a cold snap up there in sunny Qld? Hope you warm up soon!
Just found your site. Will definately be checking it out further.
We are into our third winter with no heating.
The first was because our heater broke and we could not afford to fix it. We had to go up to Qld for respite we were so cold to the marrow ! It was awful.
The second – we had new heater ready to install but were renovating ,and placement was likely to change. The third year, we are in;- and have decided we were so proud and impressed by our first two winters of no heating that we would do it again !
Located Melbourne zone 4.10, but Bayside, so we think this moderates the extreme temps.
It is frequently 9 and 10 degrees, maybe less but we don’t measure anymore.
We have changed our clothing habits, and our sit down and relax habits.
All chairs have a warm rug/throw. NEVER walk around barefoot. . .even for two minutes !
Bec studies during day, which therefore requires the rug AND a beani and ugg boots.
I mostly avoid sit down tasks {computer research, TV}, until evening as staying still is a chill without the rugs and wrap around shoulders. Although some sunny days I can sit near window to knit,with a rug over lap which is lovely.
You learn to use the day heat ,the available sunlight etc more efficiently.
You definitely dress appropriately, with a hat always. Warm socks always, and the rest depending on activity level.
I have a large woollen jumper, beautifully knitted in mint condition, (located at op shop!) which I throw over all- for really icy conditions. It returns heat within minutes and is so effective I take it off after ten -15 minutes cos I start to get sticky from generating heat ! Must be VERY good wool.
The “take your portable heat with you” option. I REALLY feel the cold, I am not naturally warm, but this SO works.
I used to LIE in front of our Rinnai heater on full blast and still be cold! Would not want to do any activity away from heater. Now I am quite content in our totally unheated house !
We all open our windows fully during sunny days, so there is no yelling at people to SHUT THE DOORS ! as there is no $ flying out every time a door is cracked ! Have fresh air all the time during day.
We really are used to it now. It is a mental and physical adjustment at first.
But now its easy.
Mari
Well done Mari. We are acclimating well, and still have not turned on the heater. Looks like you have the challenge in the bag!
Gav