Confused by extraordinarily high gas usage

BooJewels

I know that this has been discussed on the forum before and I don't know if there was ever a definitive conclusion, but if they're only putting the central heating on on the timer a couple of times a day and it's cold between times - this may not be the most efficient use of the boiler - working hard to get the house warm a couple of times a day.

As an experiment a couple of years ago, I put the heating on constant and controlled it with the thermostat instead of the timer.  The house was warmer generally - and therefore more comfortable - and it didn't use any more fuel than it had before.  I can easily make adjustments with the thermostat if I want something different.

sazzlelondon

[Deleted User] said:

A word to the wise. If a meter fault is suspected, then get it checked before a smart meter is fitted. The old meter will then go to a testing lab rather than to the local skip. As many people have found out, it is very difficult to prove a faulty meter if the old meter is not available to be tested.

Ok will try and get this moved on fast!!!!

Ultrasonic

BooJewels said:

I know that this has been discussed on the forum before and I don't know if there was ever a definitive conclusion, but if they're only putting the central heating on on the timer a couple of times a day and it's cold between times - this may not be the most efficient use of the boiler - working hard to get the house warm a couple of times a day.

As an experiment a couple of years ago, I put the heating on constant and controlled it with the thermostat instead of the timer.  The house was warmer generally - and therefore more comfortable - and it didn't use any more fuel than it had before.  I can easily make adjustments with the thermostat if I want something different.

In my own experience I use significantly less energy if I only put the heating on when needed rather than trying to maintain a constant temperature. The difference will be less obvious for people who are home most of the time though.

Overall I think it's a myth that having the heating on constantly is more efficient though.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/energy-saving-myths/

BooJewels

@Ultrasonic - as I said, I wasn't sure if there was any definitive conclusion or not, only citing my own experience (and yes, I work at home, so am here all day) - the article you linked concluded that it wasn't actually that clear cut, as there are too many variables.

But it might be worth the OP's parents' trying for a few days - just for comparisons sake - so they get a definitive answer for their own situation.  It all depends on the age and construction of the property, quality of insulation, what rooms you use, where the rads are sited etc etc.

I didn't think my thermostat worked that well, until my 6'2" son pointed out that at 4'11", I'm totally mis-reading the dial which is nearly 6' off the ground - because of the angles. I see it as 2 degrees warmer than it actually is.    

Ultrasonic

BooJewels said:

the article you linked concluded that it wasn't actually that clear cut, as there are too many variables.

Yes, I did realise that when I posted it  .

[Deleted User]

Whether is more efficient or not (probably little difference either way) it's certainly nicer to wake up to, and come home to a nice warm house! Rather than sitting around freezing your proverbials off, waiting for the icicles to melt!

Ultrasonic

DeletedUser said:

Whether is more efficient or not (probably little difference either way) it's certainly nicer to wake up to, and come home to a nice warm house! Rather than sitting around freezing your proverbials off, waiting for the icicles to melt!

I'm not sure if you're being serious... How many people do you know who have heating systems that can't be timed to come on when you want? Just time the heating to come on before you get up in the morning and before you get in from work/wherever. If you're not doing this then do please try it as I bet you'll find you'll save a load of energy!

JGB1955

BooJewels said:

As an experiment a couple of years ago, I put the heating on constant and controlled it with the thermostat instead of the timer.  The house was warmer generally - and therefore more comfortable - and it didn't use any more fuel than it had before.  I can easily make adjustments with the thermostat if I want something different.

We have been doing this for decades.  The thermostat is set at 15C overnight and 20C from 06:30 to 22:00, so yes, we are using both the thermostat and the timer.  I consider our annual gas consumption (12,400 kWh) to be very reasonable for a 4 bed detached house, and we're never cold.  As pensioners, I see no reason to be unnecessarily frugal - far better to be comfortable.

FreeBear

JGB1955 said:

BooJewels said:

As an experiment a couple of years ago, I put the heating on constant and controlled it with the thermostat instead of the timer.  The house was warmer generally - and therefore more comfortable - and it didn't use any more fuel than it had before.  I can easily make adjustments with the thermostat if I want something different.

We have been doing this for decades.  The thermostat is set at 15C overnight and 20C from 06:30 to 22:00, so yes, we are using both the thermostat and the timer.  I consider our annual gas consumption (12,400 kWh) to be very reasonable for a 4 bed detached house, and we're never cold.  As pensioners, I see no reason to be unnecessarily frugal - far better to be comfortable.

Got a smart(er) control system hooked up to my boiler. Heating is enabled during the winter months with different temperatures set during the course of the day. Overnight, 17°C, 19°C in the morning, and 20°C in the evening. Down to 7-8000KWh per year for a 3 bed semi.

QrizB

FreeBear said:

JGB1955 said:

BooJewels said:

As an experiment a couple of years ago, I put the heating on constant and controlled it with the thermostat instead of the timer.  The house was warmer generally - and therefore more comfortable - and it didn't use any more fuel than it had before.  I can easily make adjustments with the thermostat if I want something different.

We have been doing this for decades.  The thermostat is set at 15C overnight and 20C from 06:30 to 22:00, so yes, we are using both the thermostat and the timer.  I consider our annual gas consumption (12,400 kWh) to be very reasonable for a 4 bed detached house, and we're never cold.  As pensioners, I see no reason to be unnecessarily frugal - far better to be comfortable.

Got a smart(er) control system hooked up to my boiler. Heating is enabled during the winter months with different temperatures set during the course of the day. Overnight, 17°C, 19°C in the morning, and 20°C in the evening. Down to 7-8000KWh per year for a 3 bed semi.

I had a Danfoss TP5 programmable room stat at my old house, 15 years ago. It wasn't expensive, was simple to install and let me control the temp through the day. I should probably look into getting something similar in my current place!