Southerner moving North -- advice needed :)

[Alphabetsoup]

Hi all...

I got lucky this year and landed a teaching (university) job in western PA, so my hubby and I are moving up there (around Erie).

Now I lived in Indiana until I was 10, so I have vague recollections of what snowy winters were like -- but only from a child's perspective. Still, I am in better shape than my hubby, who is an Australian and has only experienced about 1 inch of snow since we've been in Atlanta -- now HE is in for a shock!

So as a couple who has never lived in a cold climate as adults, I am seeking advice from my Disboarders....

1. How much does electric heat run a month in winter? What about gas? (we haven't found a place to rent yet).

2. Anything we need to know about winter car maintenance? The car is usually hubby's domain, but he is as clueless about all this as I am in this case.

3. In that area do we have to worry much about power outages? And if so...what do we need to have on hand?

4. What bedding do you suggest? (We currently have 1 set of flannel sheets and a cheap cotton comforter from Ikea...something tells me that won't be enough!)

Basically any and all cold weather tips are welcome. Hubby at least has a heavy winter coat (from a past trip to Canada) but I only have a trench coat. I haven't had to buy boots for nearly 30 years...so I don't even know what brands are good, etc...

Any an all tips, tricks and hints are welcome.

thanks!

Soupy

 

[dejr_8]

You do realize that moving to Erie means LAKE EFFECT SNOW!!!

 

[aaarcher86]

Hi all...

I got lucky this year and landed a teaching (university) job in western PA, so my hubby and I are moving up there (around Erie).

Now I lived in Indiana until I was 10, so I have vague recollections of what snowy winters were like -- but only from a child's perspective. Still, I am in better shape than my hubby, who is an Australian and has only experienced about 1 inch of snow since we've been in Atlanta -- now HE is in for a shock!

So as a couple who has never lived in a cold climate as adults, I am seeking advice from my Disboarders....

1. How much does electric heat run a month in winter? What about gas? (we haven't found a place to rent yet).

2. Anything we need to know about winter car maintenance? The car is usually hubby's domain, but he is as clueless about all this as I am in this case.

3. In that area do we have to worry much about power outages? And if so...what do we need to have on hand?

4. What bedding do you suggest? (We currently have 1 set of flannel sheets and a cheap cotton comforter from Ikea...something tells me that won't be enough!)

Basically any and all cold weather tips are welcome. Hubby at least has a heavy winter coat (from a past trip to Canada) but I only have a trench coat. I haven't had to buy boots for nearly 30 years...so I don't even know what brands are good, etc...

Any an all tips, tricks and hints are welcome.

thanks!

Soupy

I first want to say.. you're crazy

Our gas heat in winter (Ohio) for our house which is about 2,000 and not so great insulation is roughly $100 - 150 per month. We try to keep it down around 72 degrees. There was a winter where it was super cold and our bil for 1 month was around $350. That sucked. But the nice thing is that when you run your heat your electric is super low and the opposite goes for the summer.

I personally give my car a good scrub down once a week or so in winter IF there is ice on the roads. The ice will tear up the bottom of your car. You'll just have to get used to driving it in the snow and sleet. Rear wheel drive is a toughy so be very careful if you've got it. If you guys do regular maintenance on your car you should be fine. If it gets horribly bad snow and ice up there you can put chains on your car tires.

Not sure about power outages. We have had a few here for ice storms and snow storms. A generator is always nice to have on hand for the essentials in this case. Power was out not too long ago for about 4 days in some areas here. You couldn't find any Kerosine in a 30 mile radius!!

My favorite winter bedding is sheets, one of those microfiber blankets (might be the wrong word... but they are super soft, popular and they're everywhere) and a big down comfortor. So warm.

Get some good snow boots, snow shovels and listen to the weather. If they predict a big snow storm go to the store and get what you'll need just in case. I got stuck once in a snow storm, cars with inch thick ice all the way around and no way in Heck I was getting out any time soon. I hadn't gone to the store and it was a rough few days with 2 kids and no milk!! lol

 

[AKL_Megs]

From SE Michigan here!!!

1. How much does electric heat run a month in winter? What about gas? (we haven't found a place to rent yet). We pay about $150 a month for gas in the winter (but we are 100% gas - heat, stove, dryer, hot water heater.)

2. Anything we need to know about winter car maintenance? The car is usually hubby's domain, but he is as clueless about all this as I am in this case. Get gas well before you are empty... it is bad for the car, and sometimes it freezes or doesn't want to start.

3. In that area do we have to worry much about power outages? And if so...what do we need to have on hand? Blankets! Batteries! Lanterns! We *knock on wood* rarely lose power in the WINTER.

4. What bedding do you suggest? (We currently have 1 set of flannel sheets and a cheap cotton comforter from Ikea...something tells me that won't be enough!) We have a down comforter, add a blanket on cold days, regular sheets.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Souther girl here!! Don't do it!


I have learned alot about snow and cold recently much to my unhappiness and without much of my northern husband's help.

1. I bought snow/waterproof boots that are insulates. LOVE them love them. My feet seem to get cold faster than anything else. I actually bought mine and my husbands at Payless but you can look at somewhere like Lands End or the stores in PA will have them.

I also now have several different kinds of gloves and scarves and socks to go with the cold weather. I also have a few different coats. I have the waterproof one, the wool one for work or nice clothes times, and a super insulated one. I'm sure it's overkill to have so many though.

2. In the winter you need to have a snow shovel and sand/kitty litter/ice melt something like this to get traction should you hit a slick spot and can't move out of that spot.

3. I never had anything to do with gas in a house until this one. I have a gas heater and hot water heater. At the most it was 150 for my almost 3k sqft house.

4. My husband is hot natured so we don't do alot of cold weather bedding. We do put an electric blanket on the bed and turn it on to warm up the bed before getting it. I hate getting in a cold bed in the winter.

As for the car, I keep my tank full at all times. You never know when you are going to get stuck on the road but it also adds weight to your car. Wash the car frequently because the road melt stuff can eat up your car. Check your tires regularly. Learn to scrape ice or buy ALOT of cans of the spray melt stuff for your windshield. I keep several cans around in the winter as I hate trying to scrape my car.

Oh yeah get a snow brush for your car. The longest one you can find so you aren't leaning against the car that has snow on it.

Just stay in ATL and burn up in the summer. It's a nice trade off instead of the snow.

 

[MomofKatie]

I am a Southern girl, too- we lived in Columbus, OH for a couple years when DD was a baby/toddler. Our biggest adjustmant was driving in the snow. The good thing is that the snowplows come through regularly, so it is not as awful as you'd imagine. The bad news- skidding and black ice. Also big drifts in parking lots, etc. Be careful and go slow!! Also, as aaarcher86 said, wash your car well during the winter- the de-icers and salt on the roads can really mess up your car.

We didn't have ridiculous gas/electric bills- just kept the thermostat down to 68.

Bedding- we got a dual control electric blanket for our queen bed from DMIL and DFIL. Best thing ever for our NW-facing bedroom!! It got COLD at night, and the electric blanket was wonderful. I could set my side lower than DH- he is always cold, while I stay warmer. We also appreciated warm snuggly jammies and flannel sheets.

We never lost power, but we didn't get HUGE snow like the "lake effect" cities, thank goodness. I know lots of folks had generators, though.

We had a 4 wheel drive Jeep- it was great for winter driving. We also invested in heavy coats (Lands End makes great ones) and ski gloves, snow boots, and a snow shovel. Lots of our neighbors had snow blowers to clear their driveways.

 

[Buckalew11]

Diet now because philly cheesesteaks are wonderful!!!!!!!

 

[melissa814]

Hey this is my first Post I just wanted to chime in here and say I live in Pgh. About 2 hours south of Erie. And you are about to move to the Land Of SNOW from October till APril!! No Lie they have snow all the time.
The good news is it is beautiful! And you will very fast get used to it.

As far as the heat goes we are on budget and pay 110.00 a mth all year. It probably is colder up in Erie, but depending on how well insulated your home is you will be ok.

Bedding- You will need more blankets and sheets! We use a down comforer and flannel sheets here all winter. It does get really cold here, and it is very windy in Erie because of the lake.

Power- I really do not know about Erie but we very seldom have power outages here. You would have to ask someone from there.


Suggestions-
Invest in a good winter coat and boots. Lands End sells some good ones and they probably are on clearance still.
Wear layers. It is really not that bad, but this is coming from a girl who has lived here her whole life..I was just at Disney and was DYING with the heat!
I think it is just what you are used to. It is a beautiful area. Mountains all around and then you have the beach nearby.

Congrats on your new job! And if you have anymore questions feel free to ask. I love PA and I am sure you will too
-Missy

Hi all...

I got lucky this year and landed a teaching (university) job in western PA, so my hubby and I are moving up there (around Erie).

Now I lived in Indiana until I was 10, so I have vague recollections of what snowy winters were like -- but only from a child's perspective. Still, I am in better shape than my hubby, who is an Australian and has only experienced about 1 inch of snow since we've been in Atlanta -- now HE is in for a shock!

So as a couple who has never lived in a cold climate as adults, I am seeking advice from my Disboarders....

1. How much does electric heat run a month in winter? What about gas? (we haven't found a place to rent yet).

2. Anything we need to know about winter car maintenance? The car is usually hubby's domain, but he is as clueless about all this as I am in this case.

3. In that area do we have to worry much about power outages? And if so...what do we need to have on hand?

4. What bedding do you suggest? (We currently have 1 set of flannel sheets and a cheap cotton comforter from Ikea...something tells me that won't be enough!)

Basically any and all cold weather tips are welcome. Hubby at least has a heavy winter coat (from a past trip to Canada) but I only have a trench coat. I haven't had to buy boots for nearly 30 years...so I don't even know what brands are good, etc...

Any an all tips, tricks and hints are welcome.

thanks!

Soupy

 

[KristiMc]

I grew up in Meadville, PA which is just a bit South of Erie. Ton of snow but the road crews are very good at getting it cleared up quickly. If you are going to have a big driveway, I would invest in a snowblower for sure.

 

[Alphabetsoup]

Hmm...I was getting excited about the move...now I'm not so sure! *lol*

Actually, we are kind of looking forward to the cold, because believe it or not, hubby and I HATE (loathe, despise) hot weather.

That said, I'm pretty sure our little Kia Spectra is NOT going to last more than 1 PA winter...hopefully hubby will find work soon so we can ditch the Kia in favor of a 4 wheel drive something-er-other.

Can someone tell me more about this 'lake effect snow' bit? I know when I went to my interview in March, it was misty and rainy, no snow (it was between the snowstorms the area kept getting this winter), but there were HUUUUUUGE piles of snow in the campus parking lots where the snow plows dumped it -- mountains off blackish snow (ick).

@Missy: thanks for the info...we're actually looking around Edinboro (that is where we prefer to be) a bit removed from Erie...but probably not far enough away to avoid the lake effect *lol*

I suspect that 1 winter up there will probably have me wishing to be back in Atlanta, despite the heat and horrendous crime rate! *lol*

Please keep the hints and tips coming y'all.... they are proving VERY interesting and informative!

 

[KristiMc]

Don't be afraid - you will get used to it.

Here is a link to a definition for lake effect
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake-effect_snow

Edinboro is actually in the snow belt and gets the brunt of the lake effect. Usually towns that are inland get more snow than areas actually on the lake.

 

[FireDancer]

I just wanted to add that it is important to make sure you have winter washer fluid in the car and keep it filled. There is nothing worse then washer fluid that freezes or finding out you are out of it with salt a covered windshield.

As long as you find fun winter things to do it isn't really that bad. Not saying you won't get tired of it but it is going to be winter one way or another in Erie and I have found finding fun winter things to do makes it more bearable.

 

[NHdisneylover]

The way I (and many of my friends) learned how to drive on icy roads growing up in Colorado was that the person teaching us (usually parents, but DH taught me to drive when we were dating) would take the new driver to a BIG empty (really empty--watch out for light poles in the middle, etc parking lot after a storm (church lots midweek are a good bet). Practice putting the car into a skid intentionally and then getting out of it. Do it over and over until you instinct shifts into turning INTO the skid and not against it (which is what most people instinctually do). DH and I will still do this every couple of years just to make sure we keep in "practice."

I am big on having "winter" tires put on for the snowy part of the year. I do think it makes you safer.

Get a GOOD coat and GOOD boots. It is worth the money. Keep lots of gloves and hats on hand (they get lost easily and you will want a dry pair when one is wet).

Dress in layers.

Get warm house shoes--too cold to go barefoot and you do not want to track snow into the house when you come in--just wiping your feet is not going to get rid of it.

I have fun. I much prefer a cold and snowy winter to a hot and humid summer

 

[Nomi]

And keep in mind, for some of us western PA is in the warm, exotic south.

 

[Pig Pen]

I remember my first winter in Vermont after moving up from Florida.

1. Wear socks and slippers in the house. I had never worn either and my feet were frozen all the time.

2. Invest in insulated boots with treads for ice, wear gloves, hat, scarf, turtlenecks, sweaters, hoodies. All were foreign to me!

3. Drive a front wheel drive, or 4 wheel drive, vehicle with studded snow tires. Our rear wheel drive camaro with wide racing tires just did not cut the mustard.

4. Buy warm PJs and insulated underwear (longjohns).

5. Gas is generally much cheaper than electric heat in our neck of the woods. If we hear "electric heat" we run for the hills.

6. We live in town so if there is a power outage, it comes back on fairly quickly. for people who live in the boonies, it can take days or weeks. A generator is expensive, but may be worth the investment if you are buying a house that is in the country.

7. Make sure you carry an ice scraper and some kind of emergency snow kit in your car.

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

As a former Buffalonian now living in NC, my only suggestion is to expect some time for your body to re-acclimate to cold temps. I always joke about my blood being thinner now that I'm in hotter weather, but last fall we went camping in upstate NY. My relatives were all hanging out like normal -- and I was FREEZING! I wore several layers and sat so close to the campfire that the tips of my sneakers started smoking!

But really -- I think it takes a little while to get readjusted. But it'll come. And then you'll be driving through the snow like an old pro, too.

And congrats on your new job!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I am glad you posted as I had been contemplating the same thing. We are moving to Northern Virginia and while not quite as far North, it's a lot further North than where I am now. Lol!

I know nothing about living up north. I last lived there, near Philadeplphia, from 2nd to the beginning of 5th grade and my biggest concerns were 1) when is it going to snow so I can play in it? 2) how can we get the boys to stop destroying our snow fort during recess? 3) will the guy on the radio say school is closed so I can play?

I'm clueless from the adult perspective.

 

[NCRedding]

I had a friend who moved from NC to PA 15 years ago. Two of the things that he mention doing : Taking your shoes off when you enter other people's houses and when a big snow is forecast, raise your windshield wipers up like you are cleaning the windshield. Makes it much easier to remove the ice and snow that accumulate.

 

[Sorsha]

Well, I am not in that area, but we do certainly have winter here in Montana, so let me throw a few tips your way.

TIP #1) DON'T DO IT!! Are you NUTS?? I have spent most of my adult life trying to figure out how to escape winter and you are voluntarily moving back to it??!? I ask again, are you INSANE?? Ok, there. I feel better now.

TIP #2) Electrical. My whole house is electrical, heat, hot water and all. Now, granted, we have a lot of electrical things... big TVs, freezers, a hot tub, computers, etc. Right now, our electrical bill just to run the house (no heat - summer - no AC) is about $100. Our top bill, in the dead of winter, was about $300. We have in-floor radient hot water heat powered by an electric boiler.

TIP #2) Bedding. We use flannel sheets almost all year round, except in the dog days of summer. Here in MT, we still freeze (get into the low 30's) at night well into June and then start freezing again late September. Yeah, growing season, right - we don't have one. Anyhow, bedding. Flannel sheets, and 2 comforters in winter. One regular thinner comforter, one down comforter. Hubby and I are odd - we like fresh air when we sleep, so unless its actively storming, we usually have a window at least partway open, and the heat turned way down in the bedroom. Of course, then, most of the year, we are FREEZING , hence the double comforter routine.

TIP #3) Car. OK, lets see. You will have to have snow tires, probably studded ones, put on in winter. You will need a winter emergency kit to keep in your car. You will need to have your radiator tested to see what temperature the mix in there is good for. You can adjust the mixture of water/radiator fluid till its is good for very low temperatures. You will need to fill your windshield washer reservoir with the kind of fluid that will de-ice your windows, and you will need to invest in a very good ice/snow remover/windshield scraper thingie.

TIP #4) Power outages. Not sure about this one. These are very rare in MT, we don't get them like they do in the NE. Just to be safe, I keep an emergency store of food/water on hand in the pantry, along with flashlights, batteries, extra prescription meds, etc. I have never had to use it though.

As a final thought, I leave you with this email that goes around, without fail, every winter...

LOVE THAT MONTANA SNOW!!

December 5 - 6:00 AM. It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I ate our breakfast, lit a fire, and sat for hours by the window watching the soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!

December 9 - We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the Whole World? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.

December 12 - The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry, we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.

December 14 - Snow lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to 20 below! The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way.

December 15 - 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x 4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.

December 16 - Ice storm this morning. Fell on my butt on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like heck. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.

December 17 - Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God I hate it
when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20 - Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of the danged stuff last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Danged snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store
around to see about buying a snow blower but they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.

December 22 - Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white crap fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt 'til August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to poop. By the time I got undressed, pooped and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think the jerk is lying.

December 23 - Only 2" of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she, nuts?!!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24 - 6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son of a b**** who drives that snowplow, I'll drag him through the snow by his **** and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling, then he comes down the street at 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the dang snowplow.

December 25 - Merry -bleeping- Christmas! 20 more inches of the damned slop tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my new shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.

December 26 - Still snowed in. Why the heck did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27 - Temperature dropped to 30 below and the pipes froze, plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, and he only charged me $1,400 to replace all my pipes!!

December 28 - Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. The wife is driving me crazy!!!

December 29 - 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?

December 30 - Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver. He is now suing me for a million dollars for not only the beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up his butt. The wife went home to her mother. 9" more predicted.

December 31 - I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.

January 8 - I feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed? . . . . .

 

[Minnesota!]

You people REALLY crack me up. I have lived in MN all my life (32 years) and have never done most of the things others are suggesting...and I can bet most people I know don't, either.
Snow tires???????? Never around here. I can see in the mountains, maybe. But for snow/ice in suburbia? Not a chance.

We carry 2 blankets in the car (the tie ones) and I leave my jacket in there all winter (I never ever ever ever wear a winter jacket. Even on the coldest days, mittens, a hat, and a hoodie are just fine). I haven't owned boots in at least 10 years.

We pay $143/month year round to Xcel on our budget. Pretty good, I think! We have a smaller house with not much insulation...so we are doing ok.

Power outages - not very often at all. If I was in an area that was prone to them, I would just make sure to have a case of water and some bread/peanut butter.

Our bedding is the same year round - a fitted sheet and a mid-weight comforter. I hate flannel! And, the house stays at a nice toasty 66 or so - there's no need to bundle up when the house is warm!

We have never worried about salt, etc. what it does to the car. Everytime there is a nice (meaning, close to 40') day, we do the car wash. And the line is always a mile long...b/c that's the only time people around here wash the car in the winter....when you know the doors aren't going to freeze shut b/c of it!

I think you will have fun with it! Winter is a totally different way to have fun...sledding, skiing, fort building, it's great! Well...it's great until about mid-Feb and you start wishing for green and temps above 20!