Avoid using GAS and ELECTRIC !

SusanCarter

starlite wrote:

Does anyone know if this is the case with extension leads? We have several around the house, some of which have 6 plug sockets in, half of which are unused. Do they take any more energy or not? thanks.

I don't think so, I think it's just things with transformers in them (but I may be wrong). The best way to find out is to feel them when they've been left switched on but unused. If they are warm then they are using electricity.

EagerLearner

tirednurse wrote:

EagerLearner - Wilkinsons have letter box draft excluders. They also have the ones that you fix to the bottom of your doors.

I live in Brighton and don't know of a Wilkinsons here... we have a Robert Dyas? Also Woolworths and B&Q - any good?

beetrootjuicer

mirry wrote:

can any one tell me is it illegal to collect logs from the woods, ones that are just laying on the ground ? My hubby thinks it is illegal but I cant see why if they are dead ?

Not sure about 'illegal' but it could be classed as stealing as the woods will belong to someone and therefore the trees and the wood does too. Best thing is to find out who owns it and ask their permission; they might be pleased to have the dead wood cleared. Also, Mirry, great idea to burn the scrap timber but make sure it's the untreated type.

chiefpossession

Mirry - remember that if you do collect fallen wood you must let it season for about a year before you can burn it. (I think it has something to do with the sap and the damage it can cause your chimney - but don't quote me on that!).

twink

mirry, we had permission to take fallen timber, but many estates round here wont, one even refused the scouts at christmas when they used to give the pensioners a bag of logs

mirry

We need to buy seasoned wood,
so is cheaper to buy wood and burn it, than using central heating ?

ALSO with the wood burners, is it possible to fit one ourself ?
Does the tube go right up thru the chimney ?

any help much appreciated

mirry

we went to look at the wood burners today and found out that it would cost us a fortune , apparently we need to have our chimney LINED and it costs about £1000 then to buy the stove at £400 + so we decided against it:eek:

ANother blow today, got a letter about my electric and it says it will be £68.50 a month. Gas is £46.

I been washing up in cold water today and sitting here with all lights off.

sammy_kaye18

Lol

yeah ive been doing that lately too - i put £8 on my electric about a week ago and touch wood we are still using it which is nice - normally its gone within 5 minutes. Plus theres £4 of emergency electric so hoping we wont need to turn that on any time soon. Gas ive no idea but ive been trying not to use alot lately except for cooking, but i think now i will start building up my winter reserve now adding a few pound each week. By the looks of though it either going to keep being nice and warm and stay above freezing this year - or its suddenly going to change and be freezing cold adn take everyone by surprise. Still got the heating off though and im comfortable still. Jumpers and plenty of snuggling with bf seems to be doing the trick at the minute!

Needless to say i have plenty of bread in my freezer and a big bag of pasta in the cupboard - just in case the weather does turn. hoping for a cold Christmas at least but not too cold.

mirry

sammy where did you pick up some thermal vests for the kids ?

I cant find thermal ones any where ?

Jolaaled

mirry wrote:

we went to look at the wood burners today and found out that it would cost us a fortune , apparently we need to have our chimney LINED and it costs about £1000 then to buy the stove at £400 + so we decided against it:eek:

ANother blow today, got a letter about my electric and it says it will be £68.50 a month. Gas is £46.

I been washing up in cold water today and sitting here with all lights off.

Mirrry..there's a thread on wood burners here:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=168384

Like you, i want a wood burner ( they seem to be cheaper in the local small-ads rag or on ebay), but we have a very long chimney ( house is on 3 floors). When i had the chimney swept in the summer, the sweep told me that the chimney was in great condition ( house built in 1880's), so i'm wondering if this chimney lining thing is stricly necessary. I spose it could always be lined later on, if there were problems.