Is your heating ON or OFF?

Rosa_Damascena

charybdis26 said:

This time last year in Berkshire we were already one week into a bitterly cold fortnight, severe enough to trigger a cold weather payment (7 days when average temps were at or below 0C) Central heating was definitely needed for a couple of hours each day to stay comfortable, even with layered clothing and regular hot water bottle top ups.

So far this winter it has remained sufficiently mild that my layering regime alone suffices and no space heating has been needed just yet. The outlook is for temperatures to stay mild up until Christmas at least. Currently 14C in my living room and I'm feeling quite comfy and warm.

I ran mine for a while yesterday evening but switched it off when I watched the news coming out of COP28 in the UAE. The whole thing has been blatantly sabotaged by oil-exporting nations .

The sooner the UK becomes energy independent, the better.

Auntycaz

I just missed out on a cold weather payment earlier this month we had 6 days between 0 and -4 degrees, then one day at 1 degree and then 2 days below zero, but thankfully it's warmed up a bit now. 

Wednesday2000

We have workmen here so the windows downstairs are open and so we haven't put the heating on. It doesn't feel too bad anyway as it is fairly mild even though it is raining. The thermometer where I'm sitting upstairs says 16.8 at the moment. I think I will be okay with another cardigan on top of my clothes. I will use the portable heater if I get cold.

Cherryfudge

We have our new boiler! The small electric heaters are unplugged and ready to be put back in the loft, and I no longer need to choose between huddling in one room and doing energetic housework to keep warm! Oh, and the other option was put a coat on and go out, which turned out to be the best option unless it was raining.

We noticed the engineer had set the thermostat at 21, so we hurriedly turned it down. 21 is lovely on a sunny day in spring but to me I like indoors in winter to be around 18 and after recent experience I've realised that's not needed all the time, so long as I stay active. Of course tolerances vary between individuals.

mjm3346

Dull today although not too bad temperature wise for the time of year but with frost forecast for tonight probably not going to get much above the current 52.7 in the lounge/kitchen

Rosa_Damascena

Its definitely milder today, albeit damp. Still, it definitely feels more comfortable.

Primrose

I've  just been gifted a long wheat bag which  apparently hen heated in the microwave for a couple of minutes, emulates a hot water bottle, and will both help relieve aches and pains and substitute for a hot water bottle.  Am looking forward to giving it a try.

Any special hints or advice on how it is best used?

Cherryfudge

Primrose said:

I've  just been gifted a long wheat bag which  apparently hen heated in the microwave for a couple of minutes, emulates a hot water bottle, and will both help relieve aches and pains and substitute for a hot water bottle.  Am looking forward to giving it a try.

Any special hints or advice on how it is best used?

I've not had a long one but the small one I had would steam a bit immediately after heating. Allow any steam to drift off so it doesn't make things damp.

I'd be experimenting to see if I could walk round with it round my neck or waist, put it in my lap when sitting or lengthwise in bed - or even inside my coat for a few minutes before going out of doors. I'd probably put it under a cushion or blanket if I were gathering things together prior to sitting down. By the time I had my book, glasses etc, there'd be a nice warm chair waiting for me. Similarly, wrap it in a blanket if you have to leave it for a while, to conserve the heat.

wort

Last night was wild and windy, so this morning was 15degrees in the living room, as I am just sitting I was aware my extremities were cold particularly my nose. So I’ve popped the heat on to 16.5 . I’m due in work at lunch time till late so no heat for whilst I’m out. 

When I went away in November I had turned the thermostat down so it would only kick in if really cold, I haven’t reset it, and found so far I can manage it better putting it on to get to 16 or 17 when I feel it needs it , so when it gets to that temp I don’t need it on again.
I am someone that feels the cold and have a built a cushion up with Octopus, I am all about many layers and always have my feet up on the sofa and a fur throw on top.
I don’t have heat on whilst in bed , but have brushed cotton sheet, and feather filled 15 tog duvet. So on a normal day when at work or at home with things to do, the heat is going on for around an hour at 4 pm or 5 pm if working. Just for an hour. And I’m surprised that this is ok, on 16.5 or 17. 

Rosa_Damascena

^^ Its funny but just yesterday evening I was thinking how mild it is for December! I have the heating on for a bit during the evenings but set it at 17degC and it actually feels very comfortable.