How to live without heating - save £000s

Scot_39

HertsLad said:

bob2302 said:

I put most, but not all, of  my heating into my living living room where the thermostat rises to 16.5C in the evenings, the rest of the house varies between 12C and 18C in winter, depending on the weather. My home isn't particularly well insulted, but actual gas contributes less than £12 a month to my average monthly bill of about £56. 

My feeling is that, if anything, I'm cutting this too fine. Most of us will only get very minor savings by pushing it further.

I push it further and save around 12 x £56 = £672. I regard that as a major outlay rather than 'minor savings'. If you are happy allocating £672 like that, then good luck.

Isn't the original poster saying £12 for gas - so £144 for heating.  Maybe c2000kWh at c7-8p rates.

As the ave standing charge is c£110 for gas iirc (31p per day, £9pm).  So guessing that £12 excludes £9 standing charge - from the phrase "actual gas".

And the £672 would include c£330 +/- regionally - nearly half.

I have all electric heating - no gas - and old nsh - on e10 - its much more expensive than gas.  Ave rate easily 3x gas - off peak over double. Every degree counts. 
But on flip side - at least no boiler servicing and gas SC - that c£200 plus alone then buys me 1000kWh plus even at recent post crisis but stopill c70% higher than pre pricing. 
That c£200 over a 1/4 of my total consumption most recent years since started layering in winter  -  more like over 1/2 what I spend on winter heating - if subtract 12x summer months from total. 

That total itself down around 800-1000 kWh down since before - encouraged by higher prices and enabled by careful layering allowed me to drop temps from 18 /16 - to 16/14.

fiddlesticks0

HertsLad said:

Ildhund said:

I can't remember seeing any reference to 'gorilla suits' in this thread. My two have proved absolutely invaluable for a year now, and one of them is almost worn out. OK, you look silly, but what's more important? I wear mine over nothing much to potter around in first thing, then as required during the day and evening. You really don't need much underneath for it to keep you snug, even when the indoor temperature dips below 10°. The only negative point is having to half-undress (and even put something else on on top meanwhile) to sit on the toilet. The double-fleece (fluffy inside and out) has various names, like borg, sherpa and teddybear as well as gorilla. I spent £40 of last year's WFP on these and another £50 on an electric underblanket for my enormous bed. These have been the best 'keep warm' investments I've ever made. 
  
PS I'm also a great believer in 'polyester next the skin', so long as it's microfibre. I started with a pair of pants last century; they're still going strong, and I won't ever go back to using cotton underwear.

It's interesting if it keeps you warm down to 10C or colder. Is there anyone else here who lives at temperatures as low as that apart from me and Ildhund, by the sound of it. If that's the top layer, what are you wearing underneath, exactly?

I've got by in recent years with lots of clothing layers, inc various/multiple thermals, hat etc and electric blankets and throws. At times during the cold months the temperature has gone down to around 7/8 degrees and most of the time at around the 13-16 mark. It's been just about bearable but not good - as mentioned previously my flat was ok until the last few years when some mould has started to form. A dehumidifier would obviously help (the coldest rooms don't have any damp at all but the doors are closed so there's no build-up of moisture in there).

I did buy a dehumidifier a few years ago but it was quite expensive to run when on a low-income - it certainly would have added up over the weeks/months, so I returned it. Of course, depending on the elec/gas prices it may be cheaper to use it a bit and it may mean not needing the (gas) central heating to be on for as long. I'm going to have to find a way of having the place a bit warmer and/or less humid this winter. As of this week I'm already in full thermals/layers mode and have just got the electric throw out as I feel the cold far more than the average person due to temperature dysregulation issues from a couple of health conditions. All of that and we're still in (astronomical) summer until the end of next week.

Scot_39

HertsLad said:

 

HertsLad said: Is there anyone else here who lives at temperatures as low as that ...?
...If that's the top layer, what are you wearing underneath, exactly?

Ildhund said:

You really don't need much underneath for it to keep you snug, even when the indoor temperature dips below 10°. 

I wouldn't say I live at those temperatures. It's not unusual for it to be that cold when I get up, but unless it gets warmer by itself, I'll chicken out and light the fire. This was last January:
  
As to what I wear underneath - that may be TMI. It varied, but a normal arrangement would be a microfibre polyester long-sleeved base layer with a merino wool polo-necked jumper to keep my neck warm. 
I wouldn't dream of appearing in public in this garb, but delivery drivers don't bat an eyelid when I answer the door, so I'm probably not that much of a rarity. When I apologized for my dress to one of them, she replied "I've got one like that. Great, aren't they!"
 

It's one of the rare times on here where it sounds like you wear high quality gear which is known for good insulation. I refer to your long sleeved base layer and merino wool jumper. Have you tried adding base layer long pants? If not, I recommend it. Perhaps you could then delay lighting the fire! Better still, double up on everything, i.e. two base layer tops, 2 base layer bottoms and two merino wool jumpers. I am confident you could then 'go a lot lower' in terms of temperature, if it makes sense for other reasons, such as water pipes freezing up.

I wear 1 set cotton leggings - under trousers - to live at 16 or so in lr 14 elsewhere - they do feel like they make a real difference to the heat loss and so improve heat getting to my feet when sitting long time at computor or sofa  - without feeling like dressed for the ski slopes

I use the sports ones under standard shell suit type leggings in colder winter days - or swap to wearing fleecy lined walking walking trousers if damp - when gets near zero or below  - when "leisure" cycling or walking for exercise at my pace - not a fit lycra warrior racer type by any state of imagination..

Never tried double layering the actual leggings in doors though  - might try it this winter and see..

I probably saved around upto 800-1000kWh pa by dropping my temps. A couple of hundred £ on e10 all electric average rates even this winter let alone crisis peaks.  But the figures noisy winter to winter.

Money I could find elsewhere by cutting elsewhere but would rather not. 

And mould (min 13-14) and frozen pipes in loft during beast from east 6 years ? ago  - when few degrees sub zero even daytime for few days and windy.  I still prop loft hatch open, despite improving insulation up there, since.

Triple layer on top too - long sleeved cotton top, shirt and cotton or wool vneck jumper / cardigan (i dont like anything tight at neck - even crew let alone polo - but that would of course be even better thermally - but core body temp fine - its my hands and feet I feel it).

If I forget to wind down heaters 24-48 hrs in advance as weather turns milder or just sunnier (thermal gain) or less windy - there old nsh - brick charge not room thermostat controlled - by 17 I'm feeling toasty - at 18 - starting to feel about to break into sweat.

I wear single thermal socks and slippers - old style ones that actually cover the top of my feet until trousers do.  Did have the booty style ones for a while years back.  But leggings and normal thermal seem to work well enough.

I tried dropping living room another degree or two c14/15 - but needed a throw on sofa and fingerless gloves after got pains in back of hands after hrs on computer - a step too far for me - so back at 16.

Cold hands or even more so cold feet just make me feel cold and miserable all over. 

RelievedSheff

fiddlesticks0 said:

HertsLad said:

Ildhund said:

I can't remember seeing any reference to 'gorilla suits' in this thread. My two have proved absolutely invaluable for a year now, and one of them is almost worn out. OK, you look silly, but what's more important? I wear mine over nothing much to potter around in first thing, then as required during the day and evening. You really don't need much underneath for it to keep you snug, even when the indoor temperature dips below 10°. The only negative point is having to half-undress (and even put something else on on top meanwhile) to sit on the toilet. The double-fleece (fluffy inside and out) has various names, like borg, sherpa and teddybear as well as gorilla. I spent £40 of last year's WFP on these and another £50 on an electric underblanket for my enormous bed. These have been the best 'keep warm' investments I've ever made. 
  
PS I'm also a great believer in 'polyester next the skin', so long as it's microfibre. I started with a pair of pants last century; they're still going strong, and I won't ever go back to using cotton underwear.

It's interesting if it keeps you warm down to 10C or colder. Is there anyone else here who lives at temperatures as low as that apart from me and Ildhund, by the sound of it. If that's the top layer, what are you wearing underneath, exactly?

I've got by in recent years with lots of clothing layers, inc various/multiple thermals, hat etc and electric blankets and throws. At times during the cold months the temperature has gone down to around 7/8 degrees and most of the time at around the 13-16 mark. It's been just about bearable but not good - as mentioned previously my flat was ok until the last few years when some mould has started to form. A dehumidifier would obviously help (the coldest rooms don't have any damp at all but the doors are closed so there's no build-up of moisture in there).

I did buy a dehumidifier a few years ago but it was quite expensive to run when on a low-income - it certainly would have added up over the weeks/months, so I returned it. Of course, depending on the elec/gas prices it may be cheaper to use it a bit and it may mean not needing the (gas) central heating to be on for as long. I'm going to have to find a way of having the place a bit warmer and/or less humid this winter. As of this week I'm already in full thermals/layers mode and have just got the electric throw out as I feel the cold far more than the average person due to temperature dysregulation issues from a couple of health conditions. All of that and we're still in (astronomical) summer until the end of next week.

I was just about to ask don't any of you encounter problems with mould, or other problems, by not heating your homes?

It seems alien to me some of the temperatures some of you are enduring during the winter!

bob2302

HertsLad said:

bob2302 said:

I put most, but not all, of  my heating into my living living room where the thermostat rises to 16.5C in the evenings, the rest of the house varies between 12C and 18C in winter, depending on the weather. My home isn't particularly well insulted, but actual gas contributes less than £12 a month to my average monthly bill of about £56. 

My feeling is that, if anything, I'm cutting this too fine. Most of us will only get very minor savings by pushing it further.

I push it further and save around 12 x £56 = £672. I regard that as a major outlay rather than 'minor savings'. If you are happy allocating £672 like that, then good luck.

No you don't, £56 is my total monthly energy bill, including electricity and standing charges. £12 is the cost of gas, including hot water (but with an electric shower).

If I followed your advice I would save about £10 a month.

HertsLad

Scot_39 said:

HertsLad said:

 

HertsLad said: Is there anyone else here who lives at temperatures as low as that ...?
...If that's the top layer, what are you wearing underneath, exactly?

Ildhund said:

You really don't need much underneath for it to keep you snug, even when the indoor temperature dips below 10°. 

I wouldn't say I live at those temperatures. It's not unusual for it to be that cold when I get up, but unless it gets warmer by itself, I'll chicken out and light the fire. This was last January:
  
As to what I wear underneath - that may be TMI. It varied, but a normal arrangement would be a microfibre polyester long-sleeved base layer with a merino wool polo-necked jumper to keep my neck warm. 
I wouldn't dream of appearing in public in this garb, but delivery drivers don't bat an eyelid when I answer the door, so I'm probably not that much of a rarity. When I apologized for my dress to one of them, she replied "I've got one like that. Great, aren't they!"
 

It's one of the rare times on here where it sounds like you wear high quality gear which is known for good insulation. I refer to your long sleeved base layer and merino wool jumper. Have you tried adding base layer long pants? If not, I recommend it. Perhaps you could then delay lighting the fire! Better still, double up on everything, i.e. two base layer tops, 2 base layer bottoms and two merino wool jumpers. I am confident you could then 'go a lot lower' in terms of temperature, if it makes sense for other reasons, such as water pipes freezing up.

I wear 1 set cotton leggings - under trousers - to live at 16 or so in lr 14 elsewhere - they do feel like they make a real difference to the heat loss and so improve heat getting to my feet when sitting long time at computor or sofa  - without feeling like dressed for the ski slopes 

Cold hands or even more so cold feet just make me feel cold and miserable all over. 

Cotton is excellent in many ways, e.g. for summer clothes. But it's not a very good insulator at all. Polyester and merino wool are much better fabrics for base layers. 

Be careful if you have cold hands or feet. I have never suffered from that at home, even at a temperature just 1C above freezing. I used to have a problem with cold hands and feet when skiing, before I increased the amount I wear on my body, following things I learned at home. I think it's primarily a message from the body that your core temperature is too low. As I have said before, if my hands ever become cold, I normally realise I am not wearing enough on my body, especially my legs. I never  wear gloves at home.

HertsLad

RelievedSheff said:

I was just about to ask don't any of you encounter problems with mould, or other problems, by not heating your homes?

It seems alien to me some of the temperatures some of you are enduring during the winter!

Mould was discuused here on this thread a year or two ago, after I said I don't have a problem, despite never heating my house. Someone with apparent expertise said he wasn't surprised. Cold air carries less moisture and, with enough ventilation, mould is unlikely to be an issue.

HertsLad

bob2302 said:

HertsLad said:

bob2302 said:

I put most, but not all, of  my heating into my living living room where the thermostat rises to 16.5C in the evenings, the rest of the house varies between 12C and 18C in winter, depending on the weather. My home isn't particularly well insulted, but actual gas contributes less than £12 a month to my average monthly bill of about £56. 

My feeling is that, if anything, I'm cutting this too fine. Most of us will only get very minor savings by pushing it further.

I push it further and save around 12 x £56 = £672. I regard that as a major outlay rather than 'minor savings'. If you are happy allocating £672 like that, then good luck.

No you don't, £56 is my total monthly energy bill, including electricity and standing charges. £12 is the cost of gas, including hot water (but with an electric shower).

If I followed your advice I would save about £10 a month.

I concede my savings don't quite wipe out my entire energy bill because I still pay to use a little mains gas, just for my gas cooker. I have zero cost for electricity because 100% of my electricity comes from solar panels and a battery bank.

silverwhistle

fiddlesticks0 said:

As of this week I'm already in full thermals/layers mode and have just got the electric throw out as I feel the cold far more than the average person due to temperature dysregulation issues from a couple of health conditions. All of that and we're still in (astronomical) summer until the end of next week.

I think some of us need to remember health conditions when we glibly talk about how cold we have it in our homes.

I don't use much central heating and no heating upstairs beyond an electric towel rail as once I get up and moving in the morning there's no need. If it gets a bit chilly or I need cheering up on a wet dank day I'll probably light the wood burner in the lounge which maintains the temperature in the rest of the house too. That wood is all scrounged, processed and seasoned by myself. Edit: Gas consumption 2023 was 2180kwh.

My direct debit for fuel is £50 a month and could possibly be reduced marginally but it also covers my car, so I don't have a separate line on my budget for fuel like some of you might have. My next move will be to go all electric as I resent having to pay such a large gas standing charge - around the same as gas used for which I pay around 5p per kWh.

bob2302

HertsLad said:

bob2302 said:

HertsLad said:

bob2302 said:

I put most, but not all, of  my heating into my living living room where the thermostat rises to 16.5C in the evenings, the rest of the house varies between 12C and 18C in winter, depending on the weather. My home isn't particularly well insulted, but actual gas contributes less than £12 a month to my average monthly bill of about £56. 

My feeling is that, if anything, I'm cutting this too fine. Most of us will only get very minor savings by pushing it further.

I push it further and save around 12 x £56 = £672. I regard that as a major outlay rather than 'minor savings'. If you are happy allocating £672 like that, then good luck.

No you don't, £56 is my total monthly energy bill, including electricity and standing charges. £12 is the cost of gas, including hot water (but with an electric shower).

If I followed your advice I would save about £10 a month.

I concede my savings don't quite wipe out my entire energy bill because I still pay to use a little mains gas, just for my gas cooker. I have zero cost for electricity because 100% of my electricity comes from solar panels and a battery bank.

That's missing the point, the thread is about the money saved by living without heating. The point is that you can make almost almost all of the savings you claim to be making, without doing anything extreme.