Working from home and heating costs

baggins11

Some very good points here to reflect on. There is a good argument for being comfortable and not being too stingy as you have to feel warm enough to function properly.

He is saving a massive amount by working from home. Probably £200 a month in fuel. So usually I wouldn't be too worried about costs. The problem is we had to spend several thousands in savings when my husband was furloughed then made redundant. My self employed work also went dead for several months and I wasn't eligible for financial support. 

So we have spent all our savings that were being earmarked for my eldest going to uni. We have a couple of years to build some savings back up but it took us at least five years or more to build up the savings that are now gone.

So I think we just need to find the right balance.

scrummy-mummy

You mention a patio window? I find that our patio window loses a huge amount of heat, so we often keep the curtains closed to keep the heat in.  I also have thin fleeced blankets to attach to the back of the curtain if needs be.

mrs_motivated

Just a thought for home workers, have you claimed the tax back, it’s not a lot for standard rate tax payers about 68 pounds a year and about double that for higher rate tax payers, but better than nothing.  It literally takes about 2 minutes to do and applies this year if you have worked any days from home but you will need a government gateway account.

CapricornLass

if he's due a new pair of slippers, get him a pair of the bootee sort that come up over his ankles, to cover the gap between top of sock/slipper and bottom of trousers.  I also find that wearing fleece pyjama bottoms are good, and are roomy enough to be able to wear a pair of thermal leggings underneath when it is is really cold.  M&S have mens fleecy joggers at present.   Also, what about things like waistcoats, or sleeveless pullovers knitted or otherwise?  It will be an extra layer across the back, dont restrict the arms and, if they are smart, will be perfectly acceptable for Zoom meetings.

balabooberlies

Baggins..............lovely parents you 2 are........... (absolutely awful grammar but it's 4 in the morning !)

Okay, when there are no zoom/conference calls how about a hat of some sort.  Feet off the ground is a must.  I also have found that sitting on a blanket or cushion helps.  Hot water bottle behind back.

If you do buy the oil heater, someone here mentioned having theirs under the desk.  No point in having it on the other side of the room.

By the time we have finished with our suggestions we will have baked, broiled and roasted your poor husband.............. 

bala

baggins11

I know Bala he is going to be opening a window because he is too hot

It's the amazing thing about this forum, you ask for help and get so much fantastic advice from every possible angle. 

Why up so early Bala? I hope all is ok.
X

balabooberlies

 Hi Baggins (I love your name).  Dodgy hip causing sleepless night.

Things good 'cos everyone healthy.  Including my menagerie !
Can't ask for more..............
And yes, this site and all contributors are fabulous.
big hug

bala

McKneff

I am just an ordinary pensioner , 2 of us in all day, gas central heating goes on and off all day in a 3 bed semi to keep us warm and cosy. we are with EDF on a really good deal. Last year my gas and electric cost me £1k.  I would hate to have to go to the lenghts i am seeing here . Are you all struggling money wise or just dont want to pay to be warm. 
If i was struggling i would be trying to cut down on other things that wouldnt affect my health, ie mobile phones, internet, netflix etc etc. 
Just my take on things, no critisism is intended

littlegreenparrot

McKneff said:

I am just an ordinary pensioner , 2 of us in all day, gas central heating goes on and off all day in a 3 bed semi to keep us warm and cosy. we are with EDF on a really good deal. Last year my gas and electric cost me £1k.  I would hate to have to go to the lenghts i am seeing here . Are you all struggling money wise or just dont want to pay to be warm. 
If i was struggling i would be trying to cut down on other things that wouldnt affect my health, ie mobile phones, internet, netflix etc etc. 
Just my take on things, no critisism is intended

I'm a robustly healthy person in my 40's, it doesn't strike me as to demanding to wear a long sleeve top under the sweater I would wear anyway. 
So far it hasn't been that cold to me, I am just being stubborn about it. I certainly won't be uncomfortable. Working from home is miserable enough in the first place without adding that to it. 
I can afford it if I have to, just would rather the money went to something else! 
As it is I have to layer up for work anyway even in the office, I work in aviation and it's blinkin freezing in the hangar. So I'm all about the office appropriate layering, knee high socks under trousers make a considerable difference 

baggins11

Bala I am sure you have tried everything but I find a pillow between my knees really helps when my hip is playing up. Mine comes and goes though so it might not work for you.  Oh and the name baggins is a nod to my childhood. My grandad used to call elevenses 'baggins' and as a kid I would long to hear him say "its baggins time" when we were doing farm jobs.