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submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by SmokeyDope@piefed.social to c/solarpunk@slrpnk.net

Its winter where I live and winter means cold. Currently its below freezing outside. My offgrid heating is limited to the point I have to sometimes layer up to be comfortable.

I discovered a technique that helps me out a lot this season. A 12v car blanket wraped around your shoulders like a poncho and then put a heavy coat layer. Its a really effective way to insulate both yourself and the blanket.

You might be wondering why a 12v blanket instead of a house electric blanket. For offgrid power a 12v blanket is much easier on limited battery systems. Also, 12v blankets dont have 8 hour safety shutoffs they stay on forever.

In the picture is my polar grade Baffin booties most comfortable Cold weather slippies you can get I hightly recommend if you get cold feet.

The only other tip I have is good layering. Wool socks, multiple thermal underwear layers, hat and gloves. Each piece of clothing added helps even out the difference. Electric just amplifies h effect and makes it so you don't need as much.

Put thermally insulated blanketing on your furniture. Wool blankets are good and duvet type puffy blankets are useful. Consider making an insulated hot table.

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[-] AppleCandy@piefed.social 2 points 6 days ago

I bike a lot and hang out at night outside a lot as well. The main 'tools' I'm seeing are: electrically heated socks, insoles, vests, and gloves. The quality of the tech has improved over the years. I've only used heated insoles, and putting those inside insulated winter boots really keeps my whole body warm. I've noticed my hands are warmer, when my feet are good and toasty. And of course layers of insulating clothing to keep the warmth in. LoL, my body doesn't have much internal insulation, so I have to wear clothes.

[-] faythofdragons@slrpnk.net 1 points 6 days ago

My partner and I call it "maximum cozy", and it's a heated mattress pad, a set of polar fleece sheets, a quilt, and a duvet. We've just got baseboard heaters, and the windows are drafty, so heating the whole house just isn't possible.

[-] cecilkorik@piefed.ca 1 points 6 days ago

We need easier access to small scale heat pumps, I wonder if you could salvage one out of a wrecked EV or something. I doubt they're 12V though.

[-] ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net 4 points 6 days ago

I was surprised to learn a year ago that window AC units with heatpump heating are now available. I imagine they're a good option when combined with a good window seal.

[-] curtzt@mas.to 2 points 6 days ago
[-] bitchkat@lemmy.world 1 points 6 days ago

My 2019's low voltage system is 12 volt though newer models have moved to higher volts.

[-] cecilkorik@piefed.ca 1 points 6 days ago

There shouldn't be too much that depends on voltage, I assume the compressor on an EV would be electric but an ICE vehicle will use a belt pulley so you could drive that with a motor of whatever voltage you prefer.

[-] bitchkat@lemmy.world 1 points 6 days ago

You specifically said pull it from an EV and doubted it ran on 12 v. EV motors are not like ICE engines.

[-] cecilkorik@piefed.ca 1 points 6 days ago

Thanks, I know that, I'm just brainstorming some ideas.

[-] heyWhatsay@slrpnk.net 5 points 1 week ago

I found that a 12v blanket would keep me warm at night while it's freezing outside, and recharge the battery each day. But a wood stove has been the best method I've found for warming spaces off-grid.

I've also been curious about making a hot table, using ceramic pellets for holding the heat.

this post was submitted on 29 Nov 2025
62 points (97.0% liked)

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