Avoid using GAS and ELECTRIC !

cheerfulness4

This thread was invaluable to me last year when I was genuinely trembling at the thought of the winter bills. It gave me hope and rightly so as I had bills less than 2/3 the size of the previous year.

The biggest tip was losing the tumble dryer and drying clothes naturally around the house. This year I will be treating myself to an extra clothes airer to put in my very sunny bedroom during the days (one airer wasn't quite enough once hanging out was impossible) and I'm looking around for thick winter curtains in the charity shops to replace the lounge summer ones.

Venetian blinds were a god send for keeping the heat in and have them everywhere bar my bedroom. They're on my list.

Shall look for more tips now.

emmie1234

Well I've just got off the phone from enquiring about a warm front grant and because we rent from our council we are not entitled. Apparently grants are only available to people who own their own homes or rent privately.

sammy_kaye18

cheerfulness4 - ive put a venetian blind in my kitchen and it makes a huge difference in there since putting it in - it feels alot warmer and its nice because it reflects the heat back into the house rather than letting it go out the window. Im hoping to get them on the windows of the living room before the really cold weather arrives and fingers crossed we'll get them on bens room and our window too because they really do work.Like i also mentioned before im wondering if it would be cheaper to buy a few oil heaters and have these switched on wehn it gets cold rather than resortign to putting on the heating when it gets cold. We already have a little fan heater that we had to resort to usign when we lived in a 3 bedroomed house because it was so big and the boiler blew up over christmas (not fun!) so i was just wondering if it would work out cheaper in the long run. Anyone know?

beingjdc

IanBroadhurst wrote: »

you could try one of these

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Electrical/Timers&RCD's/d190/sd2660

hope that helps...
ian

Thanks but it doesn't! When I say directly wired to the wall, I mean directly - not via a plug or anything, just like, er, like a lightswitch really.

Newgirl_2

CAFCGirl wrote: »

Save on a small amount of electric by taking a flask to work, boiling their kettle, filling your flask and bringing it home again for all your hot drinks that evening?

Hmm... everyone suggesting charging things up at work... showering at work... bringing hot water home from work...this has given me an idea... :T perhaps I could just live at work and then I could rent my house out and save lots of money :rotfl:

only kidding

Newgirl

shell2001

Emmie I would get in touch with the council. As far as I know they have been set targets for making homes more energy efficient, I know our last house was on a council estate, only about 10 were still council owned but they all had new upvc doors fitted and insulation put in the lofts (they couldnt do the cavity walls as they were built 2 brick thick with no cavity).

Worth a phone call?

mineallmine

Hi all, great thread. Found these tips helped:
- getting rid of chest freezer. Not easy but if you can effectively plan and store in a fridge/freezer then it is worth the sacrifice. Most chest freezers have poor energy ratings.
- energy saving bulbs throughout. Wilkinsons do great 'candle' style decorative bulbs.
- restricting use of tumble dryer.
- taking a look around the house at all the windows and looking at what blinds or curtains there are up. Fitting curtains that are lined (or lining the pair already up) makes a lot of difference. Equally a door curtain is a must.
- look at bulb usage both inside and outside the home. A light left on in the garage is still using up electricity.
- Before you leave the house, do a quick scan of items plugged in/switched on. Does the kettle/toaster/shredder all need to be switched on?
- Experiment with your hot water system. Putting the water on one day may give enough hot water for that day and the next (depending on your usage and if there is a jacket fitted). Try it, see if there is still hot water in the tank, before automatically switching the water on.

Stuff still need to try:
- Thicker insulation (notice B&Q sell some that is wrapped in a foil cover and looks easy to lay).
- More efficient fridge/freezer

Hope this helps.

givememoney

Well it's the 23rd August and it is seriously cold here in London. I have had to put on thick cardigan and my hand are still frozen.

likabu_2

As it starts to get colder I am going to take up crotcheting and make blankets. Then I can snuggle up with it on my knee as it gets bigger!!

Lisa

sammy_kaye18

yey! wales has started to get soem sun finally - its been nice the last few days - bit windy but nice so no need for extra blankets adn stuff yet - told its going to be a nice weekend and then next we are due the rain and horrid stuff back so we'll see. No heating yet though