Why are we using so much electric?

SHIPSHAPE

schmickleicklepickle wrote: »

We are averaging about 20 units a day - me, my OH and 4 year old DS. We have a 4 bed house and I work from home four days a week with OH working from home 2 1/2 days a week.


I would be really gratetful for any suggestions.

This is like asking how long is a piece of string.

What energy do your individual appliances consume in kWh? Then times by mins used in a period and the unit rate of your energy.

Otherwise it's quite dificult to just base on so many people in such a house with x amount of rooms etc

Joyful

When I had a chest freezer that was low on food I packed polystyrene blocks and cheap bread loaves to fill it up. This was a few years ago but I remember that it made a big difference to my consumption.

schmickleicklepickle

We aren't hardly using it to be honest so it's going to go - will be interesting to see what difference it makes!

greyteam1959

Hot water timer is set for 3/4 hour between 6 and 7am only, with temp set to 45 deg.

Thanks Penrhyn - i was concerned about this but water is still piping hot (even when washing up after tea) so maybe thermostat is faulty?!

I think you might find your problem lies here..........
You say the water is 'piping hot' at a setting of 45 deg C.......either you have very sensitive hands or something is set wrong.
'Water is still hot after washing up' sounds like your immersion heater is on all the time or the timer is faulty........either way your problems lies here somewhere

schmickleicklepickle

THanks mervyn11 I think you are right.... I certainly don't have sensive hands!

We are going to look into this and pay for professional advice if necessary - will spare us some cash in the long run hopefully.

Thanks everybody for your very helpful responses

1carminestocky

Whilst I absolutely realise these aren't for everybody, I can honestly say it has helped us identify ways to save approx 30% on our electric usage compared to this time last year. Certainly with such unusually high consumption I reckon the purchase price is not unreasonable. If you experienced a similar saving that would equate to £200 in the next 12 months.

www.theowl.com

spiro

schmickleicklepickle wrote: »

THanks mervyn11 I think you are right.... I certainly don't have sensive hands!

We are going to look into this and pay for professional advice if necessary - will spare us some cash in the long run hopefully.

Thanks everybody for your very helpful responses

Before you seek professional advice, run the hot tap for a minute to obtain maximum temperature, fill up a mug (or any other container) and use a themometer to check the temp. If its over 45 your termastat is probably faulty.

sturdytenor

Low energy bulbs. I believe that their relative unpopularity is due to overestimation by manufacturers in comparing them with incandescent bulbs with regard to light equivalent. For instance, I use a 21W in my downstairs cloakroom whereas previously I used to use a 60W incancescent. In my opinion, a 100W equivalent should be about 25-28W, instead of the 21W claimed by the manufacturers. Unfortunately this size is not easily available. Otherwise I find them fine with regard to size and start-up time. My whole house is fitted with them and I am saving a small fortune.