A new 'tougher' thread... and so it continues

paidinchickens

What is going on with this balmy weather ????

Just had a free listing email come through for flea bay if anyone is having a clear out.

PiC x

paidinchickens

I can't see us having the heating on at all this winter. We cut back everything as far as we could and our bill still went up.

Several weeks ago I asked hubby if he would divert the bath/shower water to an outside water butt. After the initial panic of would anyone be able to tell I shaved my legs with this water :rotfl: (you can't) the water company have sent a paper asking what has been diverted so we have just posted off the paperwork and we are now crossing our fingers that the water bill will be lowered.

Has anyone else done this and if so how much was it lowered by ???

PiC x

Slowly I am so pleased for you :j

Possession

Bupster - I for one would not find it at all boring.
Slowly Fading - well done, that's great news!!
DH had an interview this morning but doesn't feel very optimistic about it. Then again he is the Prophet of Doom half the time anyway. I'm pleased that he's had 4 interviews though in only 4 proper weeks of looking, that has to be a good sign.

[Deleted User]

PIC - do you have a water meter? they will install one for free and we found it saved us about 50% on what we were paying. Having said that, you do have to be really strict about the amount you use for anything. We have Loo Hippos, only use the dishwasher when it is completely full, never use the washing maching unless I have a full load. If you are really into the green water saving you could use the 'If it's yellow let it mellow and if it's brown flush it down' philosophy with the loo too, saves much water. We have a siphon gadget to harvest out bathwater and use this in the grden, Also have lots of water butts and harvest rainwater of all roofs we have. We don't use the central heating at all any more as we are lucky enough to have a woodburner, so the boiler is only used for an hour twice a day (morning and evening) to heat the hot water tank. I can't say we are always toasty warm, but have learned to wear enough jumpers and wrap up in a blanket and it all really helps make ends meet. Cheers Lyn x.

slowlyfading

Thanks guys - I'm literally sitting grinning ear to ear and actually want to do this :j but am trying to be sensible!

It also means that me and DH can finally start to pla our future Woo! :j

paidinchickens

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

PIC - do you have a water meter? they will install one for free and we found it saved us about 50% on what we were paying. Having said that, you do have to be really strict about the amount you use for anything. We have Loo Hippos, only use the dishwasher when it is completely full, never use the washing maching unless I have a full load. If you are really into the green water saving you could use the 'If it's yellow let it mellow and if it's brown flush it down' philosophy with the loo too, saves much water. We have a siphon gadget to harvest out bathwater and use this in the grden, Also have lots of water butts and harvest rainwater of all roofs we have. We don't use the central heating at all any more as we are lucky enough to have a woodburner, so the boiler is only used for an hour twice a day (morning and evening) to heat the hot water tank. I can't say we are always toasty warm, but have learned to wear enough jumpers and wrap up in a blanket and it all really helps make ends meet. Cheers Lyn x.

We have done all of the above but I have woodburner envy :rotfl:

We are looking into which one would suit us best. The plan would be to change the the conservatory into a proper room, bricking up one end and building a chimney or someone said you can buy sections of roof compatible with a flu so looking into best v cheapest way.


Where has today gone its past 3 :eek:

mardatha

Bupster yes ta, go for it!
I get laughed at my the RV and family because I joined preppers forums. To me its the most sensible normal thing in the world, to learn how to cope with any eventuality and to be prepared for brown stuff flying through the fan. I have learned such a lot from them and am much more confident and organised now.

mardatha

SDG, ty ! xxx

[Deleted User]

PIC - our woodburner is a clearview inset stove, it fits into the old fireplace recess and doesn't stand forward on the hearth like most of them do. It heats the chimneystack bricks up when it's on and does a slow release of heat when it burns out. The chimney breast is still warm to touch the next morning. Be warned though, you'll never be able to pass a piece of fallen wood, or offcuts from anywhere ever again. And you should see our woodpile, its got everything in it from the old decking from our local pub to the driftwood branches our friends dog brings back every day from his walk on the beach!!!!! It takes over every aspect of life !!!!! and it's lovely Cheers Lyn xx.

Sallygirl

Hi. I've been doing a mammoth read here. So many good ideas - thank you everybody.

katieowl - you mentioned a frugal cookery course. Was that on MSE please?