Avoid using GAS and ELECTRIC !

sammy_kaye18

Angela - that is sad isnt it.

Lol - this christmas jsut passed i was worried abotu stuff like that. I kept an eye for all my elderly regulars in the shop and when i hadnt seen one of them for a few days i went hunting for her. Turns out she was at home with the flu in her bed, she had so many blankets on it that i could barely find her and a little gas fire going. I felt so bad. I made her up a batch of vegetable soup and had about 7 portions of it, and picked up some discounted rolls from the shop i work in. so at least i know she was getting something warm in her stomach when her carer went round to give her dinner.

Think i might look into the help the elderly to keep warm project round her as my village is predominantly elderly people.

purpleivy

kethry wrote: »

ceridwen: yes, they do have mercury in them, but a very small amount. Please see here for full info. p.s. its 2011, when they hope to have the incandescent bulb phased out. And even then, some people will probably still be able to get it - the kind of people that can't deal with the other lightbulbs for medical reasons.

Do you think I would count? As part of my 'SAD' (seasonal affective disorder) regime, I use a dawn simulator and this is reliant on a regular tungsten bulb.

kethry

purpleivy wrote: »

Do you think I would count? As part of my 'SAD' (seasonal affective disorder) regime, I use a dawn simulator and this is reliant on a regular tungsten bulb.

I don't know, hon. but what i would do, if you get this on prescription or its medically advised for you to get this, is to talk to your doctor about the new regulations, see what they say.

*huggs*, hope you'll still be able to get them.. SAD is *not* nice!

keth
xx

ArthurII

Best thing if you are cold in the house then to go out and take some exercise; if you notice that your hands/feet are getting cold then this is because not enough of your blood is being shunted to your body's extremities; if you notice this happening then it is a good time to go out for a walk or a run; you will come back well warmed up.

sammy_kaye18

Thought Id bump this thread up because of the price increases in gas/electric soon we might all need a few tips - am off to reread what i can - ive jsut linked na australian friend to this site too who is having trouble to try and heat her house for her kids

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

sammy_kaye18 wrote: »

Thought Id bump this thread up because of the price increases in gas/electric soon we might all need a few tips - am off to reread what i can - ive jsut linked na australian friend to this site too who is having trouble to try and heat her house for her kids

Funnily enough I was thinking about this yesterday.It's rather sad though that we have to worry about keeping warm in winter at the beginning of summer.Things must be bad as my hubby is actually starting to take notice of me with things like turning off the lights and only boiling the amount of water you need.
Mind you I think I have the tv to thank for that (not my nagging) after all if it's on the tele he has to believe it

Bogof_Babe

It might be the beginning of summer but I have the gas fire on here now as it's quite chilly today. I think summer was what we had last week .

Sammy, very well done for looking out for your elderly neighbours - you really are such a kind hearted person, and a wonderful example to set your son.

cazac71

mookybargirl wrote: »

What a good idea for a thread.

(Most of these ideas taken from Your Home magazine)

GAS
Turn down the central heating thermostat down by 1 degree and you could save up to 10%.
Draw your curtains at night so you don't lose the heat through the windows - thicker curtains in the winter will also help.
Don't have the flames licking up around a pan on the hob, this is a waste, turn down the flame.

ELECTRICITY
TV's use more electricity while on stand by, turn them off when you're out at work etc and overnight.
1 energy saving light bulb saves £7 per year so get changing some of those light bulbs.
Defrost your freezer!! This will keep it running efficiently.
Only fill the kettle with the water you need - all you money savers should be doing this one already.;)
Washing clothes at 40 and not 60 uses a 3rd less electricity so wash some if your loads of not all at 40.
If you use electricity mostly at night, ask your supplier about 'Economy 7'. This tariff means it costs less at night and more in the day. (I've not enquired about this one personally as I'm home some days).

LASTLY
Pay by Direct Debit if this is cheaper.
Try getting a deal to have gas and electricity through the same supplier as this might work out cheaper. Check first though!!! And read the small print before leaving your supplier as they may add a penalty fee.

EDIT : Also, Get an insulating jacket for your hot water tank (usually costs about £10) to stop heat escaping. This can save £15 per year.
Place a piece of kitchen foil on the wall behind your radiators, siny side facing the radiator and save £10 per year on heating bills.
Insulating your loft might be a cost but this could also save you a 3rd on your heating bills.

I'm done!:rotfl:

Blimey, this reminds me of when i was growing up in the 70`s! We didnt have central heating, just a gas fire, and an old paraffin heater, we had blankets, not duvets, put blankets along the doors to stop draft, hot waterbottles,went to bed fully clothed, and in winter the nets used to get frozen to the inside of the windows!
No tumbledryer, just a clothes horse (I`ve never had a tumbledryer! and i still use hot water bottles)

bertiebots

To save in winter I have got cheap fleece blankets from Ikea that the kids have on their beds (they are about £2.50)..they actually look really cosy in winter with the bright colours. I have one wrapped around my feet whilst watching telly. I even turn off the lights and walk around in the dark when the kids have gone to bed...but a few nice smelly tea lights from ikea make it feel cozy and warm and they are cheap too!
We got a letter last week saying our prices were going up and I had just managed to get our monthly gas dd down...well that was short lived! But I am getting worried about this years bills. We only have central heating and an electric fire which I have never used! I have mostly energy saving light bulbs as the previous owners left loads in the cupboard...nice one!! And I even turn of the cooker at the mains when not in use so that little red light isnt burning away..what more can you do I wonder?
I have banished the dryer to the garage as I dont think I will ever use it again. I didnt think I would get to the stage where I was worrying when I am in my kitchen with the oven/washer/bm going but I am (picturing dials wizzing around!).

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

cazac71 wrote: »

Blimey, this reminds me of when i was growing up in the 70`s! We didnt have central heating, just a gas fire, and an old paraffin heater, we had blankets, not duvets, put blankets along the doors to stop draft, hot waterbottles,went to bed fully clothed, and in winter the nets used to get frozen to the inside of the windows!
No tumbledryer, just a clothes horse (I`ve never had a tumbledryer! and i still use hot water bottles)

Did you you live in my house as well.Seriously though This was the time when I had my three girls and I remember them playing in their bedrooms as toddlers with hats,coats,scarves and gloves on.Thing is,although it was'nt a perfect situation it has'nt hurt them and none of us froze to death.You just adapted to the seasons as people always had to do.We don't think of think of those times badly,infact we have a good laugh about it.