Heating people, not spaces

These days, we provide thermal comfort in winter by heating the entire air volume in a room or building, an approach that consumes a lot of fossil fuels. In this series of articles, LOW←TECH MAGAZINE focuses on our forebear’s concept of heating, which was more localized. They used radiant heat sources that warmed only certain parts of a room, creating micro-climates of comfort, and they used personal heating sources that warmed specific body parts. It would make a lot of sense to restore this old way of warming, especially since newer technology has made it much more practical, safe, and efficient. By placing heating technology in a historical context, LOW←TECH MAGAZINE challenges the high-tech approach to sustainability and highlights the possibilities of alternative solutions. Contents table: Restoring the Old Way of Warming: Heating People, not Spaces Insulation: First the Body, then the Home The Revenge of the Hot Water Bottle Energy Labels Oblige Frugal Homeowners to Make Unsustainable Investments How to Keep Warm in a Cool House Sunbathing in the Living Room: Tile Stoves and Other Radiant Heating Systems Heat Storage Hypocausts: Air Heating in the Middle Ages The Revenge of the Circulating Fan