'supporting each other through really tough times'

fuddle

My heating is on too Sheila. When I hear the boiler kick in I have a 1 second worry over the cost but being cold exacerbates the depression and the depression makes me grumble and worry about life. Therein lies 'being cold makes for a miserable life' and who wants that.

We are a lot more sensible with it this year though, socks and jumpers on with it on low, so hoping to see a bit of a difference in heating bills.

This time last year we spent £95 on heating this month. When I put my reading in yesterday we had spent £81, and with the price rises I think that's pretty good going. I can't remember how cold Oct was last year tough.

On the pic of the new kitchen does it look like it's a gas hob? I can't quite make it out and didn't take any notice on my visit yesterday. If so will it be cheaper than an electric hob?

kidcat

Fuddle, I use Daisy DW powder from Mr T, it works out much cheaper than tablets and IMO works considerably better.

fuddle

Do you need to add salt and rinsing stuff with that one kidcat? Thanks for the recommendation. I've been using Daisy washing up liquid lately and quite pleased with it.

Bigjenny

It looks like a gas hob Fuddle.

greenbee

Fuddle - my DW uses the equivalent of a sinkful of water per load. The only difference is that it heats cold water (from the tank, so marginally warmer than if it comes off the main) with electricity rather than gas. However, for the amount that goes in the DW I would use a lot more water.

A gas hob will be cheaper to cook on than electric, and next time your kettle needs replacing you may want to consider getting a stove-top one.

Good luck in your new home!

missrlr

Morning all, I know what you mean about the heating thread, but some of the time there is no heating but fires on in each room, hot water bottles going on and all sorts, that surely costs money to achieve too? I have given up with economising any more with the heating, we are down as low as I can cope without aching and being grumpy, and I get less done in the cold. Plus having done all I can to get the house warm insulated and so on why not reap the rewards???
Not managed to speak to DH about the whole work pay thing, and TBH it is not really going to be a meaningful conversation until he has spoken with HR and the union and so on to get the gen. Am trying NOT to think about it, but I spent lat night dreaming about a house (not our current one) where the neighbours kept blocking us in as we hadn't paid some bill or other...... yes OK I am getting the straight jacket right now! Got me in a panic so I have been over all the accounts and made sure the bills are all up to date and can't see any errors. Not a nice way to wake up even though it is a bright sunny day.
Lat night almighty bang from the front of the house, this morning appears some little so and so egged the house and my car ...... we now have egg icicle hanging from the bay window so will be out there later on after it has defrosted to remove that - some people are so uncouth and frankly are oxygen thieves.
Think I may extract Doglet from bed and take him for a big W's (can't say that W word in full in this house, results in mayhem!) after the next cup of tea.
Have a good day all x

kidcat

Fuddle - yes I still add rinse aid and salt, but I used to add those with the powder too, our first DW broke and the engineer advised that even with tablets that were supposed to be three in one it was better to add some of each anyway to keep the machine running properly. I but both from either Aldi or Lidl whichever I am at.

Rinse aid - one bottle lasts ages, I bought the one we are using now, last Christmas and there is still some left.

Salt - I use one packet every three months or so.

fuddle

Morons throwing eggs! I mean if the act wasn't stupid enough... have you seen the price of eggs lately?! Idiots.

Stupid question alert. When you say salt, do you mean just salt, as in salt on your chips?

Kittikins

Hi Fuddle, well done on the new house, it sounds sooooo exciting for you and your family

Re: rats - I though councils had to come and deal with them for free as they're a public health hazard? They did when I had them down here in Sussex......at my old house, I had decking, a compost bin and fed the birds, apparently all very attractive to vermin.

Re: dishwasher - a few years ago I read a Wh!ch report that said that Tosco Value ones are the best, I felt vindicated as its what I'd been using for ages

VJsmum

No - it is dishwasher salt. You can buy it in the same place as tablets and rinse aid. it is allegedly the best thing for clearing snow too.

The dishwasher engineer who came out to fix mine last year said that if you use the 5 in 1 tablets then you don't need additional salt or rinse aid. I think he is wrong as I didn't fill mine for ages and the cleaning power and streakiness got worse. Now I have topped both up it is working well again - though it did last for quite a long time after warning lights came on.

Fuddle - one thing to remember is that your glasses will mark / go cloudy in places and so might your cutlery so don't be putting your best of those in there.