gas usage trebled? Help!

jb5

msw wrote: »

Hi, It just seems really weird as we haven't changed supplier and are just using the same as always. I will turn the thermostat down, do you think this will make a difference when we are not using the heating?

I think, (if the problem is with hot water taps leaking etc.), that the thermostat on your hot water cylinder is the one you should lower.

If the water heater is kicking in regularly, without any hot water being used, then I would look to making sure your cylinder is properly lagged, leaks are fixed and then turning the cylinder thermostat down. (I'm assuming that you have a hot water cylinder and not an "instant" boiler).
It will take a bit of time to get the right balance (for the hot water temp), but you will make quite a large saving if it is set too high currently.
For instance, we boil water in a kettle for washing dishes, rather than using hot water from the tap. It doesn't make sense to have a HUGE tank full of hot water, when all you require is a small bowl full. We only heat the water once in the morning for showers, there is then usually just enough residual heat in the water tank for washing hands etc. through the rest of the day).

Also it's worth getting the tap fixed, if you're on a water meter, that bill will be higher than it needs to be.

jpvic

I still think jb5 is right, you have an imperial meter they may think it's metric.
I'd check with your supplier to make sure.

dizzybuff

I provide monthly readings keeps them on their toes

jb5

jpvic wrote: »

I still think jb5 is right, you have an imperial meter they may think it's metric.
I'd check with your supplier to make sure.

As above, unfortunately it's only a problem if you have a metric meter and they are charging you based on "assumed" readings from an imperial meter.
If it's the other way round, keep very quite, as you are getting a reduction of 2.83!;)

espresso

jpvic wrote: »

I still think jb5 is right, you have an imperial meter they may think it's metric.
I'd check with your supplier to make sure.

Surely an imperial meter charged as a metric meter would cost about one third less!

An imperial unit (100 cu FT) is in the region of 32kWh and a metric unit (1 cu M) is approximately 11kWh

50 imperial units x 32 = 1600kWh 1600 x 4p = £64

50 metric units x 11 = 550kWh 550 x 4p = £22