New Digital Meter Reading Confusion

[Deleted User]

Hi,

Poosmate wrote: »

There is no electric heating in the house at all except for the 1kWh and 1.5kWh oil filled radiators I bought last year. The 1.5kWh one was on for a few hours each of the coldest nights (quite a few over this last winter) and the 1kWh one was on for less time.

I wouldn't use oil filled rads, I reckon they just burn money.

Oh, one bad habit I seem to have got into is running my washing machine on the daytime rate electric, I should start running it after 1am again, that should help even up the usage and reduce my bills somewhat.

I have my machine on about 7 in the morning to catch the cheap rate, as it stops about 8.30 just now, also when making soup or chilli, or anything that's gonna take a bit of time on the cooker that's when it's done.

Oh well, £114, not quite £1129, but better than a kick in the teeth, enjoy. :rotfl:

Poosmate

Thanks for those tips FM.

Regarding the oil filled rads, I don't see any other option. There's only one gas fire in the house and it's just not enough to heat the whole house. A couple of years ago I decided to save money I'd leave the gas fire off a bit longer and wear more clothes. I feel that the whole house eventually got so cold that when the gas fire was put on it just didn't heat the house at all. So winter 2008 was very cold inside my house, I'm talking 5.5 degrees in my bathroom, 9.5 in the kitchen, 9.5 in my bedroom and 13.5 in my lounge when I'd get home from work. With the gas fire on, these temperatures went up after a couple of hours to 7, 13, 11.5 and 17.5 respectively.

It certainly was a winter of discontent! As winter 2009 approached I felt more and more miserable and decided "to hell with the cost I wasn't going to be that cold again". So I bought the Oil filled rads.

Maybe I should use the refund to pay for cavity wall insulation, but I do desperately need a new banger.

Hmmm, there's a dilemma, better banger or cavity wall insulation?

ok, getting a car that's maybe a year newer than what I could afford before doesn't mean I'll necessarily get a better car, whereas, cavity wall insulation "should" make my house warmer and maybe even reduce my fuel consumption for many years.

I think I've decided.

Thanks for your replies both.

Poo

SwanJon

If you are going down the insulation road (definately sensible) look around for grants to get it done.
Try local companies, the council (and yes, British Gas should offer you a discount). See if you can mix and match to get the best deal. It's a big outlay in one go, but you should make your money back in a few years ('few' might stretch a bit with your low consumption).

As to the oil-filled radiators - they cost the same to use as any other 1 or 1.5 kW heater - if you switch to single rate that's just under 13p an hour, or just under 17.5p on E7 for the 1.5 kW one.

Poosmate

Hi SwanJon,

I had some quotes before about the insulation. I was going to have it done with my neighbour but they chickened out so I didn't go ahead either.

Even if it doesn't save me any money I really should get it done just so I am more comfortable over the winter. I really can't understand why it's so cold in my house. It's even cold in the summer too sometimes, I swear this land it's built on is cursed! lol I don't remember this house being so cold in the old days before double glazing, maybe my double glazing is crap! lol

I must start using my washing machine overnight again, I feel bad that I got out of that habit.

Poo

Poosmate

Hello all, just thought I'd give the latest update.

Well, I've been away for a few days and have arrived home to a load of post. Much to my surprise I have a cheque from BG for my refund!!

My faith in BG is somewhat restored. Not enough to allow them access to my bank account, but credit where it is due. Today is 27th July (well it was half an hour ago), the day they said I'd have my refund and there it was on my doormat waiting for me when I got home. Yay to BG!

Thanks to all who responded.

Poo

[Deleted User]

Hi,

hey hey, :j :j, all sorted, as I said in previous post, keep your eye on things now, take regular readings, and especially if you get an estimated account, and notify BG with correct readings.

You may find that if you watch what you are doing it will not be too expensive to use tv and computer and a bit of heating in colder weather.

Allow yourself a wee treat with your bonus, enjoy. :beer: