too hot - ZEFRANK.COM

lapietra · 03-13-2006, 04:53 PM

Give me some advice, here. I'm getting pretty fed up.

Two of my roommates - two women who share a room, not partners - are from a very warm place. For some unknown reason (possibly finances and where they were accepted to go to school) they chose to come to San Francisco. We get along great mostly, but they have a very annoying habit of coming home, after spending a day wearing thin-clothed, sexy outfits (which I'm sure were more than warm enough where they're from, but completely inadequate here) complaining of the cold weather (they take public transportation) and turning the heater up to 80° F - and leaving it there, despite their assuring me that they of *course* intend to turn it off before they go to bed - which they have yet to do. The bf and I have both woken up in a sick sweat with stuffy noses after suffering nightmares more than one night, to go downstairs to find that yes, the heater has indeed been left on. And this heater works *way* too well. I think it runs about 10° hotter than it shows on the thermostat.

I've brought up my concerns more than once, both gently and with some vehemence, then gently again - (the heat is uncomfortable for me, I can't sleep, I have nightmares, my sinuses plug up, and most importantly, there are only so many layers you can remove, but you can add as many as you like). I've suggested multiple times that they get a space heater. Pretty much the response is, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, we promise to turn it off before we go to bed. Hasn't happened. We always end up turning it off.

This is complicated by the fact that we can't fully open the bedroom window, due to cats that like to push out the screen and jump out the window (from the second floor, no less!) And we keep the catbox in our room, 'cos we don't want to inflict it on anyone else. This means a) no relief from the heat and b) extra stinkiness due to the heat. (The bf is working on the window.)

Last night, I turned off the heater at around 10:30 pm, only to come back down to find it *on* again at around 11:30 pm. I commiserated with the bf - we tried to think of a number of non-confrontational solutions, including putting a sign up on the thermostat requesting that it not be used after 11 pm - then took the sign down because it seemed kind of... I dunno... nazi-roommatey. This morning, I thought, hmmm... we have a down comforter - maybe we could buy a new one (I want a new one anyway

) and give them our old one?

I feel really conflicted. I don't think they can afford to go out and buy a space heater, possibly can't afford to go out and buy appropriate clothing for the weather - but the surreptitious use of the heater is driving me nuts, and really disrupting my sleep! And I can't really afford to buy them new clothes... All we're asking is that they do what they say they're going to do! GAH!

Anybody have a similar experience that they successfully solved?

Zeismyhero · 03-13-2006, 05:08 PM

Hey, La...

That is a tough one. I imagine that the expense of overheating (80 degrees is practically tropical!) is a factor, too, no? They may not think that they have extra money for a space heater, but the added expense of running the heat that high all night would pay for a space heater in no time.

And it's silly to expect you and your bf to open a window - that is literally throwing money right out the window because they refuse to meet you halfway! Not to mention the cat issues. (though I do hope you're able to remedy just for fresh air sake.)

It almost sounds like a bit of a grudge match, now. If they're nice people, I'd sit down and talk with them and just level: You don't want to be in conflict with them, but they really need to buy a space heater for their area for all of these reasons. Remind them that roommates have to be considerate...you keep the catbox in your room out of consideration, even though that isn't most convenient for you...couldn't they bend a little?

How would that work?

Good luck, my friend...

Marcus Bales · 03-13-2006, 05:12 PM

Tools: 2 - 4 drywall screws, and a screwgun or screw driver
Procedure: remove cover from thermostat
Put the temperature where you want it.
Screw screws through backing of the termostat into the wall above or below (or both if there's room) the little balance lever that holds the mercury.
Put the cover back on.
Until someone comes along who can remove the cover and who has a screwdriver, the temperature will be set at what you set it at.

lapietra · 03-13-2006, 05:37 PM

Thanks, dears...

Well - maybe a sitdown is necessary. The utilities are covered in the rent - so that's not an arguing point - but you'd think the catbox situation (which I've mentioned to them) would be... I think having a sitdown/roundtable will be good - especially if we make it clear that we're not trying to impose our needs above theirs, but have a discussion and come to a compromise. I just don't want them to keep making and breaking promises. I really resent that.

MB - I love that idea! except I'd be most happy if the heater was never on at all! We don't live in freaking Chicago or Boston - we live in CALIFORNIA! It gets *brisk* here, not "cold" - at least, according to my body's mostly Eastern and Western European blood.

Anyway - the thing is - it *is* cold for them. So we have to figure out something that works for everyone. *sigh*

lapietra · 03-13-2006, 05:44 PM

Us (yes, that's me with the chubby belly):

Them (very pretty, eh?):

Marcus Bales · 03-13-2006, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lapietra

MB - I love that idea! except I'd be most happy if the heater was never on at all! ... Anyway - the thing is - it *is* cold for them. So we have to figure out something that works for everyone. *sigh*

I'm not clear on the money issue. A good space heater is $39 at Sam's Club. A really good one with a thermostat and oil-filled flanges and wheels and a good well-designed cord and plug is $100, maybe $125. I've seen well-made quilts that are more.

But once you're willing to spend $100 you can buy a programmable thermostat, one that takes a code to be able to change it. Have the sit-down, agree on a temperature range for various times of day, agree on who chips in how much money, and install, or even have installed, a new thermostat that no one can change without a record of whose code changed it and when, for easy point-and-blame.

Jack Flanders · 03-13-2006, 10:52 PM

I surprised that the landlord hasn't said anything about the big jump in utilities. This year was pretty costly because of the increased fuel charges. I agree with the progammable thermostat. I keep meaning to install one myself.

Jack Flanders · 03-13-2006, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Flanders

I surprised that the landlord hasn't said anything about the big jump in utilities. This year was pretty costly because of the increased fuel charges. I agree with the progammable thermostat. I keep meaning to install one myself.

I'm not sure if you are the landlord or rent from someone else. Cheap solution - cat proof the windows and get them open!

Brynn · 03-13-2006, 11:27 PM

It is a toughie - it really is difficult to acclimate to a northern climate again. It took me two or three years. After twelve, I still get pretty cold no matter how many layers I put on.
But I found strategies, just because we literally couldn't afford to heat the house for years. The trick is being nice in the face of their thoughtlessness because you're a nice person and like yourself that way, right? Marcus' idea is good, but a little hardball. I'd save that for last.

Make them some "bed buddies." Get them some giant cotton athletic socks, fill them with flax seeds, and sew the ends up. Get a permanent marker and draw something corny on it like hearts and suns, etc. with their names on it. Have them throw it into the microwave for a few minutes before bed and they can warm their sheets with them before retiring. It will smell good too. Okay, this isn't much, but at least they can see you making a ridiculous effort to be nice.

I took a lot of piping hot baths and showers just to get my core temp up before bed. Get them some nice soap and write a poem to go with it:
"Sorry you're cold
Quick - take a hot shower
or a soak in the bath
so lala won't glower

" (yep, made it up myself - you can do better).

Suggest electric blankets for bedtime. I don't think they are that expensive, anyway. They could plug themselves in and lounge around in them too. MMmm, cozy. So much better than space heaters. They're bad for your chi, but don't tell them that, or maybe they won't care. Get prices for them, and tell them where they can get them. Offer to drive.

If the heating bill is included in your rent, start deducting a significant percentage of the rent for the heat you and the bf don't want to pay for. Keep the door to your room closed and tape off various heating vents with duct tape and cardboard to show you're serious.
Good luck!

topcat · 03-14-2006, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lapietra

Give me some advice, here. I'm getting pretty fed up.

Two of my roommates - two women who share a room, not partners - are from a very warm place. For some unknown reason (possibly finances and where they were accepted to go to school) they chose to come to San Francisco. We get along great mostly, but they have a very annoying habit of coming home, after spending a day wearing thin-clothed, sexy outfits (which I'm sure were more than warm enough where they're from, but completely inadequate here) complaining of the cold weather (they take public transportation) and turning the heater up to 80° F - and leaving it there, despite their assuring me that they of *course* intend to turn it off before they go to bed - which they have yet to do. The bf and I have both woken up in a sick sweat with stuffy noses after suffering nightmares more than one night, to go downstairs to find that yes, the heater has indeed been left on. And this heater works *way* too well. I think it runs about 10° hotter than it shows on the thermostat.

I've brought up my concerns more than once, both gently and with some vehemence, then gently again - (the heat is uncomfortable for me, I can't sleep, I have nightmares, my sinuses plug up, and most importantly, there are only so many layers you can remove, but you can add as many as you like). I've suggested multiple times that they get a space heater. Pretty much the response is, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, we promise to turn it off before we go to bed. Hasn't happened. We always end up turning it off.

This is complicated by the fact that we can't fully open the bedroom window, due to cats that like to push out the screen and jump out the window (from the second floor, no less!) And we keep the catbox in our room, 'cos we don't want to inflict it on anyone else. This means a) no relief from the heat and b) extra stinkiness due to the heat. (The bf is working on the window.)

Last night, I turned off the heater at around 10:30 pm, only to come back down to find it *on* again at around 11:30 pm. I commiserated with the bf - we tried to think of a number of non-confrontational solutions, including putting a sign up on the thermostat requesting that it not be used after 11 pm - then took the sign down because it seemed kind of... I dunno... nazi-roommatey. This morning, I thought, hmmm... we have a down comforter - maybe we could buy a new one (I want a new one anyway

) and give them our old one?

I feel really conflicted. I don't think they can afford to go out and buy a space heater, possibly can't afford to go out and buy appropriate clothing for the weather - but the surreptitious use of the heater is driving me nuts, and really disrupting my sleep! And I can't really afford to buy them new clothes... All we're asking is that they do what they say they're going to do! GAH!

Anybody have a similar experience that they successfully solved?

MOVE.

craig johnston · 03-14-2006, 08:08 AM

i think we need a pic of them in their sexy clothes to really
relate to this issue.

Hyakujo's Fox · 03-14-2006, 09:35 AM

Ha. It's not that kind of problem CJ.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lapietra

Give me some advice, here. I'm getting pretty fed up.

Two of my roommates - two women who share a room, not partners - are from a very warm place. For some unknown reason (possibly finances and where they were accepted to go to school) they chose to come to San Francisco. We get along great mostly, but they have a very annoying habit of coming home, after spending a day wearing thin-clothed, sexy outfits (which I'm sure were more than warm enough where they're from, but completely inadequate here) complaining of the cold weather...

Audreyvgs · 03-14-2006, 10:40 AM

close the vent in your room.

zenbabe · 03-14-2006, 01:41 PM

just knock the thermostat off the wall with a hammer.

dinzdale · 03-14-2006, 01:48 PM

...and shave all your body hair..

03-13-2006, 04:53 PM	#1
lapietra half baked Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: just ducky Posts: 12,078	too hot Give me some advice, here. I'm getting pretty fed up. Two of my roommates - two women who share a room, not partners - are from a very warm place. For some unknown reason (possibly finances and where they were accepted to go to school) they chose to come to San Francisco. We get along great mostly, but they have a very annoying habit of coming home, after spending a day wearing thin-clothed, sexy outfits (which I'm sure were more than warm enough where they're from, but completely inadequate here) complaining of the cold weather (they take public transportation) and turning the heater up to 80° F - and leaving it there, despite their assuring me that they of course intend to turn it off before they go to bed - which they have yet to do. The bf and I have both woken up in a sick sweat with stuffy noses after suffering nightmares more than one night, to go downstairs to find that yes, the heater has indeed been left on. And this heater works way too well. I think it runs about 10° hotter than it shows on the thermostat. I've brought up my concerns more than once, both gently and with some vehemence, then gently again - (the heat is uncomfortable for me, I can't sleep, I have nightmares, my sinuses plug up, and most importantly, there are only so many layers you can remove, but you can add as many as you like). I've suggested multiple times that they get a space heater. Pretty much the response is, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, we promise to turn it off before we go to bed. Hasn't happened. We always end up turning it off. This is complicated by the fact that we can't fully open the bedroom window, due to cats that like to push out the screen and jump out the window (from the second floor, no less!) And we keep the catbox in our room, 'cos we don't want to inflict it on anyone else. This means a) no relief from the heat and b) extra stinkiness due to the heat. (The bf is working on the window.) Last night, I turned off the heater at around 10:30 pm, only to come back down to find it on again at around 11:30 pm. I commiserated with the bf - we tried to think of a number of non-confrontational solutions, including putting a sign up on the thermostat requesting that it not be used after 11 pm - then took the sign down because it seemed kind of... I dunno... nazi-roommatey. This morning, I thought, hmmm... we have a down comforter - maybe we could buy a new one (I want a new one anyway ) and give them our old one? I feel really conflicted. I don't think they can afford to go out and buy a space heater, possibly can't afford to go out and buy appropriate clothing for the weather - but the surreptitious use of the heater is driving me nuts, and really disrupting my sleep! And I can't really afford to buy them new clothes... All we're asking is that they do what they say they're going to do! GAH! Anybody have a similar experience that they successfully solved? __________________ “As long as the world is turning and spinning, we're gonna be dizzy and we're gonna make mistakes.” ~ Mel Brooks

03-13-2006, 05:12 PM	#3
Marcus Bales ________________ Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: In a coign of the cliff between lowland and highland, at the sea-down's edge between windward and lee, walled round with rocks as an inland island, the ghost of a garden fronts the sea. Posts: 8,967	Tools: 2 - 4 drywall screws, and a screwgun or screw driver Procedure: remove cover from thermostat Put the temperature where you want it. Screw screws through backing of the termostat into the wall above or below (or both if there's room) the little balance lever that holds the mercury. Put the cover back on. Until someone comes along who can remove the cover and who has a screwdriver, the temperature will be set at what you set it at. __________________ My strength is as the strength of eight -- My heart is nearly pure.

03-13-2006, 05:37 PM	#4
lapietra half baked Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: just ducky Posts: 12,078	Thanks, dears... Well - maybe a sitdown is necessary. The utilities are covered in the rent - so that's not an arguing point - but you'd think the catbox situation (which I've mentioned to them) would be... I think having a sitdown/roundtable will be good - especially if we make it clear that we're not trying to impose our needs above theirs, but have a discussion and come to a compromise. I just don't want them to keep making and breaking promises. I really resent that. MB - I love that idea! except I'd be most happy if the heater was never on at all! We don't live in freaking Chicago or Boston - we live in CALIFORNIA! It gets brisk here, not "cold" - at least, according to my body's mostly Eastern and Western European blood. Anyway - the thing is - it is cold for them. So we have to figure out something that works for everyone. sigh __________________ “As long as the world is turning and spinning, we're gonna be dizzy and we're gonna make mistakes.” ~ Mel Brooks

03-13-2006, 05:44 PM	#5
lapietra half baked Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: just ducky Posts: 12,078	us and them Us (yes, that's me with the chubby belly): Them (very pretty, eh?): __________________ “As long as the world is turning and spinning, we're gonna be dizzy and we're gonna make mistakes.” ~ Mel Brooks

03-13-2006, 11:27 PM	#9
Brynn constantly amazed Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: in the labyrinth of shared happiness Posts: 6,206	It is a toughie - it really is difficult to acclimate to a northern climate again. It took me two or three years. After twelve, I still get pretty cold no matter how many layers I put on. But I found strategies, just because we literally couldn't afford to heat the house for years. The trick is being nice in the face of their thoughtlessness because you're a nice person and like yourself that way, right? Marcus' idea is good, but a little hardball. I'd save that for last. Make them some "bed buddies." Get them some giant cotton athletic socks, fill them with flax seeds, and sew the ends up. Get a permanent marker and draw something corny on it like hearts and suns, etc. with their names on it. Have them throw it into the microwave for a few minutes before bed and they can warm their sheets with them before retiring. It will smell good too. Okay, this isn't much, but at least they can see you making a ridiculous effort to be nice. I took a lot of piping hot baths and showers just to get my core temp up before bed. Get them some nice soap and write a poem to go with it: "Sorry you're cold Quick - take a hot shower or a soak in the bath so lala won't glower " (yep, made it up myself - you can do better). Suggest electric blankets for bedtime. I don't think they are that expensive, anyway. They could plug themselves in and lounge around in them too. MMmm, cozy. So much better than space heaters. They're bad for your chi, but don't tell them that, or maybe they won't care. Get prices for them, and tell them where they can get them. Offer to drive. If the heating bill is included in your rent, start deducting a significant percentage of the rent for the heat you and the bf don't want to pay for. Keep the door to your room closed and tape off various heating vents with duct tape and cardboard to show you're serious. Good luck! __________________ 1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles. 2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand. 3. Your foot will change direction.

03-13-2006, 05:08 PM	#2
Zeismyhero Happy just to dance w/you Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Standing right behind you... Posts: 353	Hey, La... That is a tough one. I imagine that the expense of overheating (80 degrees is practically tropical!) is a factor, too, no? They may not think that they have extra money for a space heater, but the added expense of running the heat that high all night would pay for a space heater in no time. And it's silly to expect you and your bf to open a window - that is literally throwing money right out the window because they refuse to meet you halfway! Not to mention the cat issues. (though I do hope you're able to remedy just for fresh air sake.) It almost sounds like a bit of a grudge match, now. If they're nice people, I'd sit down and talk with them and just level: You don't want to be in conflict with them, but they really need to buy a space heater for their area for all of these reasons. Remind them that roommates have to be considerate...you keep the catbox in your room out of consideration, even though that isn't most convenient for you...couldn't they bend a little? How would that work? Good luck, my friend...

03-13-2006, 10:52 PM	#7
Jack Flanders landscaping is fun Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: up river and down river Posts: 4,815	I surprised that the landlord hasn't said anything about the big jump in utilities. This year was pretty costly because of the increased fuel charges. I agree with the progammable thermostat. I keep meaning to install one myself.

03-14-2006, 08:08 AM	#11
craig johnston dalai clique Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: tea leaf towers - home of fine musical entertainment Posts: 5,609	i think we need a pic of them in their sexy clothes to really relate to this issue. __________________ the tea leaf family

03-14-2006, 10:40 AM	#13
Audreyvgs Blue's Clues Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: on Yur Last Nerve, huh? Posts: 5,412	close the vent in your room. __________________ I just LOVE what you haven't done with the place!

03-14-2006, 01:41 PM	#14
zenbabe Lollypop! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: we are all made of stars Posts: 11,690	just knock the thermostat off the wall with a hammer. __________________ Be yourself, because the people that mind don't matter, and the people that matter don't mind. -Dr. Seuss

03-14-2006, 01:48 PM	#15
dinzdale King of the špatnýs Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: was that dog Posts: 9,411	...and shave all your body hair..

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