Hoping for some support

RAS

tugrin wrote: »

Yes I realise the electricity is VERY high - but the cottage is old and the open fire does not do a great job so most heating is with elcetric and I do try to be economic - will look around for a better tariff (I have in the past but there doesnt seem to be much difference - may be £5 a month ),
Ther is no where to put an oil tank and quotes ive had for putting in a wood burner to to water and a couple of radiators were between £3000 - £6000 which is ludicrous - cant even just put in woodburner alone as there is an old completely useless back boiler in the fireplace which apparently needs ripping out.

A multifuel burner alone would make a huge difference as currently 15% of the heat is useful to you and the rest goes up the chimney, whilst a closed burner would be at least 70 % efficient.

Unless you are in a smokeless area, it should be possible to get one fitted for about £500. You would easily get that back next winter.

Taking out an old back boiler is mucky but not hard (having done one). You need advice as to whether the water supply is still fitted. If not it could be a summer job.

tugrin

Hi RAS
First the lodger - I'm in a village 15 miles from the nearest big town, I have 3 dogs that bark and smell quite a lot (one is old and a bit incontinent) and the bathroom is downstairs and a disgrace - I figure I would have to pay someone to be here.
Actually to be absolutely honest about the DIY its not the lack of confidence/skill its the pain of the arthritis after I do anything a bit physical for any length of time - so I can paint a small room over a few days with only minimal pain for a few days after but if I have to do heavy bashing of bricks/liftig etc then I am noot really fit for work for about a week - it sounds so pathetic - I used to be out there crushing rubble for paving patios, laying floortiles have even sheared sheep in my time but age brings other things apart from financial stupidity!! Still i could maybe have a go when the weather is warmer and joints not so painful - I do hate losing all that heat plus the bloody draught from the 'draw' up the chimney is wicked.
If you are a DIYer/builder please keep in touch cos you could be a lifeline for me!

RAS

Can I suggest that if you have a tame plumber, or ever have a plumber in, you ask them to find out if the water supply TO the back burner is still linked to the household supply. if not, taking it out is much easier.

In the meantime, also check out local multi-fuel burner makers. People I know had one for £400 which heats a very large room to boiling in the evening even in sub-zero temps and aids the heating of the whole downstairs at other times.

Byatt

Hi Tugrin, well done for posting! I have been on MSE for a while but only on Saturday did I admit here that I have a problem with spending. I'm in my 50's too.

Just a couple of points, I used a water meter for over 10 years, (3 in the family at that time including my daughter)...I also recently moved into a 200 year old cottage but I rent. Having said that, it's old and damp and with a bathroom downstairs. It could do with work, the landlords however are unlikely to do it, so I have turned a blind eye to many things and am making the best of it.) Initially there was no water meter and I have been paying £67 per month!! But then I applied for a meter as it's so much better, and my payments will be about £10 per month until they know exactly my useage. The meter is in the bathroom so I can keep an eye on it, but saving water becomes second nature and I am sure you will save money if you have a meter. As I understand it, you can change back within the year if you find it's not beneficial but check with your water company.

Be kind to yourself.

xxxx

tugrin

Thanks Byatt - I will steel myself to the idea of a meter - it's totally illogical I know. It is good to know there are others who are in the same boat. I can't tell my friends about the situation most would be very judgemental and the rest are struggling with their own problems I think. I think being here will really help if only because it is all about the money and saving it NOT the spend spend spend frenzy that the rest of the world seems to be engaged in.
I found 45p in my desk drawer at work today and thats gone into the sealed pot too!

tugrin

Hi RAS
I got a neighbour who is a builder in and yes the boiler is connected still with a sort of flap thing that pulls out and creates a bigger draught. He also said that there is a nice inset fireplace behind this just like the other cottages iin the row. He was then a bit depressing about chimney liners saying having one is a must but that they are expensive - am I going to open up a can of worms or is it doable in stages to keep cost down d'you think?

Have clocked up another No spend day but can't believe it's only Wednesday I'm still not sleeping with the worry of it all and feel utterly exhausted.
Also now I am really watching the pennies I think I have underestimated petrol costs! I am clocking up 350 miles a week and alrready have used £32PETROL THIS WEEK!! Will have to go over overdraught limit to get to work on Thur and Fri - dont know what to do about this.

theoretica

I think you are paying too much to BT as their unlimited top deal is only £38. You could ring them up, ask them to look at your usage and suggest their best deal.

Are you getting more heat from £40 of coal than you would from £40 of electricity with a chimney balloon blocking the draft up the chimney?

Do your windows have drafts? Tape them. How about improvising double glazing with plastic sheet next time it gets so cold?

You could let your friends know you would be interested in swapping tutoring for DIY/building skills and see if anything came up. For jobs where you have the skills but would tax you physically do you know any young people who would like to be taught while earning minimum wage?

If you don't have a chimney liner it might be wise to have a carbon monoxide detector not only by the fire, but also in the upstairs rooms the chimney runs past.

Have you read the article on this site about breakdown insurance? You may be able to save money there.

Good luck!

ceejaydee23

Hi Turgin, As you are currently with BT it may be possible to switch to the likes of Talk Talk?

cado1

OP - Well done for coming on here ! I wish my mum would own up and tell me exactly the size of the mess she is in. She brought me & my sister up pretty much on here own and never had any guidance she is rubbish with money wich in turn I inherited but am now trying to sort my mess out with the help of my very undertsanding OH.

Good luck x

tugrin

cado 1 Dont be too hard on your mum, I think its the 'on your own bit' that gets us single mums! I was always so concious of the small pile of presents under the Xmas tree what with no granparents either and one xmas their dad gave them a paperback book each!!!! So your mum might have been trying to make up for that kind of thing in your and her life - I know that I have always used buying things as a substitute for love which is deeply sad (sorry Im so old I've just discovered these emoticon things!!!)