Very high gas usage!

nadine12

Hi - no we don't leave the heating on all day in the winter as I know we can't afford to!! The exception would be during the very heavy snow when the kids were off school (left on but clicking on an off with the thermostat) but it is always switched off at night around 11.00. Usually back on at around 7.30, then on a school day off at about 9. If its bitterly cold will put back on about 3.30 when kids are home from school, or if not around 5-5.30. The heating has been off since April though!
I don't know exactly what temp the heating is set to as unfortunately its just a dial with no numbers - its about 3/4 of the way around the dial. The thermostat is set to 20 so clicks off and on as the temp drops.

gas4you

Could call in an RGI to gas rate each appliance and if they are both running way too much higher than they should be, it is a good sign the meter may just be faulty.

Two or more appliances wouldn't be running the same amount out, if you get my drift.

jalexa

nadine12 wrote: »

I don't know exactly what temp the heating is set to as unfortunately its just a dial with no numbers - its about 3/4 of the way around the dial. The thermostat is set to 20 so clicks off and on as the temp drops.

There is nothing obvious with the meter readings, the summer use is a typical (low) amount for cooking and water heating.

Regarding the "thermostat", what room is it in? Do all or most rooms have radiators (how many). Are TRVs fitted?

nadine12

Hi gas4you, could you explain in a bit more detail please? I'm not sure I understand!
Jalexa, the thermostat is in the dining room. Yes all room have radiators, 4 small ones upstairs, 5 downstairs (2 of those large ones). Not all of the radiators have TRVs, just the ones upstairs in the bedrooms. Some of these are often turned off as my sons and husband get hot quite easily!

cepheus

nadine12 wrote: »

Loft is insulated as we have a small attic room.

I presume the roof rather than the floor of the attic is insulated then? This is usually not as efficient due to the greater area of the roof (about 40%), but necessary if this room is to be kept warm.

Obviously if there any skylights these will leak substantial heat, as will unsealed or open windows.

Cavity wall insulation will help.

PS

Someone had the same problem as you a few years back so it may be worth checking this thread
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/635857

jalexa

nadine12 wrote: »

Jalexa, the thermostat is in the dining room. Yes all room have radiators, 4 small ones upstairs, 5 downstairs (2 of those large ones). Not all of the radiators have TRVs, just the ones upstairs in the bedrooms. Some of these are often turned off as my sons and husband get hot quite easily:D!

I guess I have run out of ideas, other than suspecting energy inefficiency.

Ideally the thermostat should be in the main living space. So the issue is not so much whether the dining room is at 20deg, but what temperature the main living space is (when the dining room clicks off at 20deg).

macman

This does sound like one of the rare instances when the finger of suspicion does point at a faulty meter.
Given the huge apparent consumption, I'd ask for it to be replaced and tested.

lemontart

With regards to the meter number you need to ask your supplier to do a trace and label to ensure they are billing the correct meter if it is the correct meter then ask for the meter to be tested as advised by others