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We have very very very good insulation now. We don't really need to stop heating spaces, we need to prevent heat loss. In addition we could use more modern heat

We have very very very good insulation now. We don't really need to stop heating spaces, we need to prevent heat loss. In addition we could use more modern heating systems which actually heat rooms only when needed.

bitwize 5y ago
Eh, depends on where you live. I was surprised, for example, to find out the abysmal state of insulation in New Zealand. Only in the last five decades have Kiwis had decent insulation standards -- for new construction. Homes from before that time often remain without adequate insulation -- and it gets cold throughout much of New Zealand! Many new Japanese homes are uninsulated, with the residents using "heat the person" techniques like a kotatsu to keep warm.
- throwaway984393 5y ago
  Japan also had a history of homes with permanent passive air circulation; old Japanese buildings are often not much better than sleeping outside. That plus sitting-on-the-floor lends itself to a kotatsu culture. But different cultures work differently, and as a result the same solutions don't fit other places. There are probably a bunch of different solutions that we just need to make it a little easier for local people (& contractors) to try out.
  - Ekaros 5y ago
    Also what I have heard from media is that the parts of the country that actually get cold with lot of snow for longer periods in winter do have all of the modern insulation and so on.
- JKCalhoun 5y ago
  My daughter just told me the other day she wanted to try to make a Kotatsu. I had no idea what that was. I see the article mentions them! Looked them up, priced them on Amazon (for a good looking one? ouch!), and then decided I will build my own version of one this year before next winter comes (I like woodworking). And I will also build one for my daughter. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotatsu https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotatsu

bitwize 5y ago

Eh, depends on where you live. I was surprised, for example, to find out the abysmal state of insulation in New Zealand. Only in the last five decades have Kiwis had decent insulation standards -- for new construction. Homes from before that time often remain without adequate insulation -- and it gets cold throughout much of New Zealand! Many new Japanese homes are uninsulated, with the residents using "heat the person" techniques like a kotatsu to keep warm.

throwaway984393 5y ago
Japan also had a history of homes with permanent passive air circulation; old Japanese buildings are often not much better than sleeping outside. That plus sitting-on-the-floor lends itself to a kotatsu culture. But different cultures work differently, and as a result the same solutions don't fit other places. There are probably a bunch of different solutions that we just need to make it a little easier for local people (& contractors) to try out.
- Ekaros 5y ago
  Also what I have heard from media is that the parts of the country that actually get cold with lot of snow for longer periods in winter do have all of the modern insulation and so on.
JKCalhoun 5y ago
My daughter just told me the other day she wanted to try to make a Kotatsu. I had no idea what that was. I see the article mentions them! Looked them up, priced them on Amazon (for a good looking one? ouch!), and then decided I will build my own version of one this year before next winter comes (I like woodworking). And I will also build one for my daughter. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotatsu https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotatsu