Working from home, trying to save of electricty bill, economical room heater?

mickym

I work from home and have a room dedicated as an office. During last years cold winter i attempted to be quite stingy with daytime heating, but at times i just simply couldnt work without it being on as it just got far too cold to be comfortable.

We are in a 2 bed bungalow, all electric (British Gas, standard rate-which seems the cheapest for us).

As im the only one at home in the day (and stick to one room), i thought maybe a small room heater may be better than running the whole of the home heating?

Any of you guys (and ladies!) use anything like this...if so, what do you recommend.

We got stung with very large electricity bills last winter (one around £500 another after Christmas for £600+) and are eager to avoid this again.

We have had the heating switched off during the summer and do not heat water up (only very rarely) and we were having uarterly bills of £90 which we have been happy with, but just goes to show how much the heating eats into out electricity costs.


Thanks

ariba10

I would think a fan heater in the one room and perhaps this----

http://search.qvcuk.com/QVCUK/Search.ff?query=slanket&cm_re=PAGE-_-SEARCH-_-SEARCH&image.x=19&image.y=11

mickym

the slanket would probably keep me warm, but i found the biggest problem was my fingers getting cold an effected my typing!

..... and typing in gloves is a nightmare!

PlutoinCapricorn

I too work at home and try to cut down on electricity costs. I can feel the approach of winter, so this is a timely question. I am lucky in that I do not feel the cold very much, so manage with hot drinks, warm clothing, a blanket around me and a hot water bottle! I sometimes even work in bed, using a small netbook. I am also lucky in that I just have a studio flat, it is south facing and | benefit from having well heated flats all around me.

I did get a cheap halogen heater with 3 levels of heat a few years ago, but have only used it on a few extremely cold days. I have not so far checked its electricity usage.

Are you self employed?

mickym

nope not self employed...so cant get any tax benefits that i know of?

PlutoinCapricorn

If you are not self employed, unfortunately there is less scope for claiming heating expenses.

So are you working at home by choice, or has your employer told you to, and is this official i.e. in writing?

If it is your own choice, then there is not much that can be done. What you save on travelling costs may be lost on utilities.

epsilondraconis

I've worked from home for the last 4 years and haven't switched on the heating. I do occasionally have a burst of warmth from a hair dryer though to keep me going. Have you tried using some fingerless gloves, also perhaps have a candle on the desk (obviously being careful not to leave it unattended etc). The candle not only gives out some heat, but give a nice glow and so helps keep you warm.

PlutoinCapricorn

Epsilon, I am sure that some people will be amazed to hear that you have no heating in the winter. I try to be like you: a recently boiled kettle nearby helps, and although I would worry if it got overheated, the laptop can provide some warmth too.

I think that natural warming methods such as layers of clothing and hot water bottles are much healthier than central heating and sealed windows.

A good diet really helps too: home made soup and porridge, baked potatoes and low sugar.

amcluesent

>I work from home and have a room dedicated as an office<

What glazing have you got in the work room? You could add cheap secondary glazing and check for draughts.

A storm lattern gives off some heat and safer than a candle. Have you tried fingerless woollen gloves for typing, thermal undies, good socks and a sensible pull-over.

Most heat goes out the head, so wear a woollen hat while sitting.

Here's your role-model...

Idiophreak

I think I'm gonna be alone here, but I'd just stick the heating on if I got cold. Sure, it's expensive - but as far as things to spend money on go, keeping yourself comfortable throughout the day will have a huge impact on your quality of life, so it rates quite highly with me.

I *hate* the idea of huddling over a candle, dressed up like steptoe and son, sitting on a "hot buns" bottom warmer...I just couldn't work like that.

Haarlem

Don't mention to your supplier that you work from home, as they may insist you go on commercial supply terms.