How to live without heating - save £000s

lindatoo

I also have question about base layers. I am currently undergoing some tests regarding pains in my legs and whilst it has not been confirmed, as am awaiting further tests, the medical bods are suggesting that I may have a certain condition which is compounded by tight fitted clothes.  As a result I have started wearing jogging bottoms that are loose fitting around my thighs and calves rather than my usual jeans which does seem to help. However medical condition or not, I will have to turn my heating down a few degrees as I simply cannot afford the current rates. So the question is, just how snug are the base layers you are suggesting, and would they still work if I bought a larger size than I am?  Very interesting post btw.

Ally_E.

HertsLad said:

drphila said:

Hi HertsLad.

Despite disparaging remarks from some others, I, personally, am finding this thread incredibly useful. Thanks.

I have a question regarding base layers.On several occasions, you mention 100% polyester. Many brands I come across mention 95% polyester (and the rest elastane) or even 99% polyester (and the rest elastane).The Nevica brand from Sports Direct,for example.

So how important is the 100% figure?

The 100% figure is only nominal. Some of my base layers include up to 5% elastane and I don't think it reduces the insulation quality. The most important thing is to wear two pairs, one over the top of the other. 90% of my base layers are Campri from Sports Direct. Others came from Decathlon, Aldi and Lidl whenever I see them on special offer at very low prices.

Have you considered cashmere and polyester blends? Should provide even more insulation. Or is that price prohibitive? I've bough cashmere items from the charity shop for under £10. 

comeandgo

The problem with polyester base layer is it stinks after one wear.  I use marino wool as it can be worn for a lot longer and not need to be washed but I do understand that it may be too costly for some.  

Jyana

Ally_E. said:

HertsLad said:

drphila said:

Hi HertsLad.

Despite disparaging remarks from some others, I, personally, am finding this thread incredibly useful. Thanks.

I have a question regarding base layers.On several occasions, you mention 100% polyester. Many brands I come across mention 95% polyester (and the rest elastane) or even 99% polyester (and the rest elastane).The Nevica brand from Sports Direct,for example.

So how important is the 100% figure?

The 100% figure is only nominal. Some of my base layers include up to 5% elastane and I don't think it reduces the insulation quality. The most important thing is to wear two pairs, one over the top of the other. 90% of my base layers are Campri from Sports Direct. Others came from Decathlon, Aldi and Lidl whenever I see them on special offer at very low prices.

Have you considered cashmere and polyester blends? Should provide even more insulation. Or is that price prohibitive? I've bough cashmere items from the charity shop for under £10. 

I have made a couple of cashmere items from old charity shops finds, a shawl/wrap which is patchworked together and some wrist warmers from the sleeves of jumpers. I also knit with cashmere wool if I can, I find it a lot warmer than normal woollen items, plus it irritates my skin less too. 

John464

HertsLad said:

QrizB said:

it seems quite an extreme move to give up on heating altogether, rather than just turning the 'stat down.

My finding is that if my hands get cold inside the house, then I am not wearing enough on my body; especially on my legs. 

As you get older you will probably find your circulation is not as effective, so extremities like your hands will get cold if not insulated like the rest of your body.

John464

The reason fuel prices are going up is because supply is reduced.
Subsidising prices so everybody can keep using the same amount is not an option.
Because prices will keep rising indefinately to the point where we cut our consumption.
We have to cut our consumption
So we might as well do it now before prices are driven any higher to the benefit of the likes of Mohammed Bin Salman - we can't put a windfall tax on him.
I am fortunate in being able to afford as much electricity as I like - but still intend to follow Herts Lad's advice and cut my energy consumption because I believe its the public spirited thing to do, and should be encouraged.

wild666

HertsLad said:

How would you prove zero use tho'? Would they send a man round to ratify the meter read ? Can't believe they would take the customer's word! So working smart meter(s) required ?

Yes, I have a smart meter. Every month since April, I have been charged the rip off standing tariff but it shows 0 KWh consumed. Eon is my supplier, as luck has it. They told me if I go a year and use no more than 10kwh then they refund the amount paid for the year reaching that point and refund each further month. Given it's some kind of goodwill gesture, it's fingers crossed that's what they will do. They could say the offer has been discontinued or I was misinformed, when I lay claim in April 2023, i.e. if I can keep up zero use over the winter. Or after a few years of paying nothing they could say their patience has run out and I need to start paying again or pay for disconnection. And again for re-connection some time. I doubt if I was misinformed because 2 or 3 different agents told me the same thing, after I called back for clarifications.

If the home has a combi-boiler then that will use bout 0.7 to 1 unit per week depending on what temperatures the hot water and heating temperatures are set at, unless the boiler is one that you can turn the pilot light off then it would mean hot water would have to be boiled.

chris_n

wild666 said:

HertsLad said:

How would you prove zero use tho'? Would they send a man round to ratify the meter read ? Can't believe they would take the customer's word! So working smart meter(s) required ?

Yes, I have a smart meter. Every month since April, I have been charged the rip off standing tariff but it shows 0 KWh consumed. Eon is my supplier, as luck has it. They told me if I go a year and use no more than 10kwh then they refund the amount paid for the year reaching that point and refund each further month. Given it's some kind of goodwill gesture, it's fingers crossed that's what they will do. They could say the offer has been discontinued or I was misinformed, when I lay claim in April 2023, i.e. if I can keep up zero use over the winter. Or after a few years of paying nothing they could say their patience has run out and I need to start paying again or pay for disconnection. And again for re-connection some time. I doubt if I was misinformed because 2 or 3 different agents told me the same thing, after I called back for clarifications.

If the home has a combi-boiler then that will use bout 0.7 to 1 unit per week depending on what temperatures the hot water and heating temperatures are set at, unless the boiler is one that you can turn the pilot light off then it would mean hot water would have to be boiled.

Most installed boilers don't have a pilot light, they belong firmly in the past.

HertsLad

chris_n said:

wild666 said:

HertsLad said:

How would you prove zero use tho'? Would they send a man round to ratify the meter read ? Can't believe they would take the customer's word! So working smart meter(s) required ?

Yes, I have a smart meter. Every month since April, I have been charged the rip off standing tariff but it shows 0 KWh consumed. Eon is my supplier, as luck has it. They told me if I go a year and use no more than 10kwh then they refund the amount paid for the year reaching that point and refund each further month. Given it's some kind of goodwill gesture, it's fingers crossed that's what they will do. They could say the offer has been discontinued or I was misinformed, when I lay claim in April 2023, i.e. if I can keep up zero use over the winter. Or after a few years of paying nothing they could say their patience has run out and I need to start paying again or pay for disconnection. And again for re-connection some time. I doubt if I was misinformed because 2 or 3 different agents told me the same thing, after I called back for clarifications.

If the home has a combi-boiler then that will use bout 0.7 to 1 unit per week depending on what temperatures the hot water and heating temperatures are set at, unless the boiler is one that you can turn the pilot light off then it would mean hot water would have to be boiled.

Most installed boilers don't have a pilot light, they belong firmly in the past.

That's correct but my home doesn't have any type of boiler currently connected. They all tend to use far too much energy. I use solar thermal tubes to heat water, with some back up by heating water over the gas cooker hob (running on propane),

HertsLad

Fliss_M said:

I'd also add, who's paying for all these clothes? One person, ok not too bad. A family of 6? When 4 members are permanently outgrowing those clothes? That's not cost effective. 

You are completely wrong. It is highly cost effective. There can be few greater savings anyone could make. I decided against posting my photo but it helps remind me what I was wearing in Feb 2020 to stay perfectly warm when the temperature in my house was only 2C. 

From top to bottom:
Head - thinsulate lined hat, Asda, £4
Neck - thinsulate lined snood, Asda, £3

Torso - (i) two pairs long sleeved Campri base layers, Sports Direct, £12
(ii) 100% cotton long sleeved shirt, charity shop, £1
(iii) 100% pure wool sweater, charity shop, £3
(iv) Thinsulate-lined jacket, Deerhunter brand, eBay, £20
(v) Thinsulate-lined vintage ski jacket, eBay, £8
(v) Polyester fleece, Asda, £10

Below the waist - (i) underpants, £3
(ii) two pairs long legged Campri base layers, Sports Direct, £12
(iii) down-lined trousers, eBay, £25
(iv) Workwear trousers, Aldi, £8

Feet: 2 pairs socks and heavy workwear boots £25

That lot comes to £134 but I wouldn't be living in a fully heated house naked, so it's fair to deduct the clothes I would be wearing anyway. They come to £40 for the shirt, jumper, underpants, workwear trousers, socks and boots. So the extra cost is only £94

Everything should last at least 10 years so that's a mere £9 per year, compared to the sky high energy prices.

Does anyone know a more cost effective way to stay warm? I exclude extreme measures like travelling round on a bus all day to keep warm, if you have a free bus pass.