Flatmates have 2000W Tower Fan On Every Night, Bill Share question

tlh858

In fan-only mode it's 65 watts, so 12 hours of continuous use will cost about 10p.

Cardew

In 'fan' mode(i.e. no heating) it will use very little electricity - a few pence a day. So as you only moved in a month ago, it isn't an issue.

However I echo the sentiments expressed in post#5 above!

thor

I think there must be something medically wrong with these type of people. I can understand wanting a fan on to cool down if the temp gets to about 30 degrees but for most of this summer it has been mild at best and there is no way any normal person needs artificial cooling.
I remember our heating going down at work during a winter and almost everyone was having to wear coats to stay warm, all apart from the repair engineer who looked at us incredulously asking why we were wearing coats. It makes me wonder what would happen to them if we got a proper heatwave - perhaps it really is a 2000watt fan and can belt out artic winds when the temp hits 35degrees.

nathand_2

cvv wrote: »

PS: Acutally they also bought their own new hoover, which is 2200W that is used very frequently too! They also have TV, stereo & a toaster in their room!

Your concern regarding the fan was understandable if you were under the impression it was 2000w. A hoover though, really??? Why don't you go round the flat and check the energy consumption of everything, make a chart, and ensure everyone accurately records their usage?

Unless the hoover was switched on all day everyday why would it be a problem?

rizal23

we know the rate of £ 28.6p per hour to the standard rate. if the 2000W for 12 hours is 24 units, amounting to approximately £ 3.50 per day I think they will pay two-thirds of it.

Mr_Thrifty

If they think it's only fair that you all pay equally, then I would perhaps look at getting an electric car. Watch them change their tune, then. They remind me of the bozos that order lobster with wine while you have a cheese sandwich and coke and then expect to split the bill.

ic

As had been stated, the fan will only use 2kW when the heating function is turned on, and its thermostat has decided that additional heat is required. Depending on the setting whilst in heat mode, the fan may just be blowing and oscilating, or even just running on a lower power level. Running as a standard oscillating fan it is unlikely to use more than perhaps 35W to 80W at a guess - these fans are supposed to be very efficient in their power usage.

An old light left on in a hallway or a TV running all night will use a lot more electricity. Also note you should be looking at your second rate tariff electricity units when considering costs, not your first rate as that includes the hidden standing charge.

In general the big consumers of electricity in most homes are anything that heats - storage heaters, power shower, tumble dryer, washing machine, oven, hob, etc. This fan would fall into the category - if it weren't for the fact its the middle of summer and unlikely to be run with the heat turned on. In winter, your flat mates would be better to use a form of heating such as radiators or storage heaters, then use the fan to move the air around the room, rather than rely on the fan itself to provide the heating (unless you're on economy seven and its used during the night on low rate electric).

macman

This is an an issue you should have considered and resolved before entering into a flatshare. It's impossible in such an arrangement to work out exactly how much each occupant actually uses (maybe you use more water and gas than them to compensate?), so there has to be some give and take if you have agreed to split the bills equally.
If you are not able to discuss this directly with them, then inevitably you are going to start falling out over many other financial issues too, so either work something out, or look for other flatmates.

Pincher

It's summer, so I assume the heater is not on, just the fan.

Record the meter reading once a week. When they start using the heater, the readings will go up.

So, assuming it's £50 a month in summer, and £120 in winter,
you can negotiate to pay £30 flat rate, and they pay the rest.

ic

Pincher wrote: »

It's summer, so I assume the heater is not on, just the fan.

Record the meter reading once a week. When they start using the heater, the readings will go up.

So, assuming it's £50 a month in summer, and £120 in winter,
you can negotiate to pay £30 flat rate, and they pay the rest.

Does this mean in the winter the OP won't be turning on the heating in their own room?