Bringing down my gas and leccy bill challenge (start August 2008)

lauren_1

I just hope when the kids and i spend most of the days in our dressing gowns (on top of clothes) i wont be accused of being lazy by my MIL

Barneysmom

Throws are really good, I've always used them. But if you buy fleece ones don't get the very cheapest if you can avoid it. I bought some off EBay and they don't keep you warm really, and they don't wash very well either.

wendy+5

You've just reminded me that our hot water comes on in the evening too. We don't need it on then. The dishwasher does that and if there is anything that needs washing up there should be enough water left in the tank surely?

I do use the dryer a lot though. Especially on days like today where it's rained practically non-stop.

What else are you all doing to reduce your consumption?

Larumbelle

I'm in, but can we start this year instead of waiting 'til next august please :rotfl:;)

Magentasue

Have just taken meter readings and worked out our average weekly use since June (last meter readings).

Gas 177 units per week
Elec 93 units per week

Target for August and September is to maintain or cut these. After that, I think our elec should go down because the evilbox (xbox) won't be on whenever the kids can get away with it and I'll have finished using heat guns to strip woodwork. Once the weather turns, and the heating and tumble drier kick in, I'll have to re-evaluate. Can't bear being cold or having wet washing hanging around.

Magentasue

Can someone recommend an online chart or spreadsheet to record gas/elec/water meter readings?

[Deleted User]

I have already managed to bring ours down but doing it during the summer months is easy. It is unrealistic to bring it down during the autumn/winter months. However there are lots of small steps that can be taken to minimise use and without reducing comfort. Ideas and tips on the electric/gas thread, the tougher thread and the winter thread. I would read them with a notebook handy

craftingqueen_2

Hi Barneysmom, we have a lovely Disney throw which we brought from a well known shopping channel years ago it's lovely the kids love it ,it's so snuggly and washes really well. We are on the lookout for another one which they seem to be pretty hard to get hold of.

CQ

SuiDreams

Can I join in we reduced our usage last year, but its started to increase again. Will be using a spreadsheet to keep track of readings.

Scarlett.1974

I'm up for this challenge. We pay £58 gas and £40 electricity at the moment and really, these amount are not enough but I just can't afford to increase them any more at the moment

We're in quite big arrears with both due to moving house and both suppliers taking an age to send a bill

But am trying to remain positive Ways for dealing with it this winter include:

- H and I have made a vow not to put the heating on until 1st Nov. at the very earliest <gulp>
- Will be switching off the radiators in our room, the hall, landing, kitchen and downstairs too. I figured it was silly to pay to heat the lesser used areas (hall & landing); the loo - well, just be quick in there (;) ) and the kitchen will have the oven to heat it. Will also be leaving the oven door open after cooking as much as possible. I'll also be turning them right down in the kids' bedrooms (not off though, think they'd call childline :rolleyes: )
- Have bought the kids lovely new, fleecy dressing gowns in preparation. Not the cheapest (M&S) but figured it was worth the outlay.
- Will be buying as many thick, fleecy throws as I can afford. Luckily the kids already have a couple of nice ones each.
- Am determined to not use the tumble dryer unless I absolutely have to. I've already got 1 small airer but will be investing in another one. I do hate washing hanging all over the house, it looks so messy, but needs must eh?!

Luckily we live in a new build house so it's pretty energy efficient I guess. Double glazing, loft insulation etc....