Winter Energy Savings Tips

markin

fergie_ said:

Those turning their water storage below 60 degrees, remember there is a huge risk of legionaries etc due to bacteria build up.

I'm planning to turn the heating right down and generally heat people or a single room.

We also plan to go into work and work from home on the same days so again less heating is needed.

Has anyone got any good links for smart tech such as heated clothes - even better if charged via solar.

 Only a risk on open vented systems i heard, not sure on that, But a weekly boost to 60c will solve that.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/legionella.htm 

EssexHebridean

I'll be leaving our hot water where it is - the thermostat is on the top of the tank and right at the back of the airing cupboard under a shelf, and requires a torch and a mobile phone camera to even see the wretched thing. I curse roundly on the odd occasions that the thermal cutout needs a re-set!

I did debate about buying a heated throw, but I think this year I'm going to see how I go with the big fluffy bright red ordinary one I already have, plus extra layers. We shall be a lot more mindful about getting curtains drawn just as soon as it starts getting dark, though. 

Mstty

Cursed will be the neighbours that want a chat in an open door this winter lol

FreeBear

markin said:

fergie_ said:

Those turning their water storage below 60 degrees, remember there is a huge risk of legionaries etc due to bacteria build up.

I'm planning to turn the heating right down and generally heat people or a single room.

We also plan to go into work and work from home on the same days so again less heating is needed.

Has anyone got any good links for smart tech such as heated clothes - even better if charged via solar.

 Only a risk on open vented systems i heard, not sure on that, But a weekly boost to 60c will solve that.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/legionella.htm 

220 confirmed cases in 2020 (Jan 1st - Oct 31st) - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/948028/Legionella_Mthly_Rprt-Aggregate_rprt_Jan-Oct20.pdf - Based on that figure, I would say the risk is minimal. You are more likely to be hit by a No.13 bus.

As for water temperature in a HW storage tank, maintaining a temperature above 50°C for an extended period will suffice. No need to go to 60°C. And if you have a combi-boiler, just set the temperature to what ever you are comfortable with (even 45°C). The incoming mains water will have been treated long before it gets to the house, and there won't be any time for the bacteria to breed.

Northern_Wanderer

Mstty said:

Cursed will be the neighbours that want a chat in an open door this winter lol

Invite them in or go outside to chat?

Northern_Wanderer

I've just used some expanding foam to fill the gap in a door frame in the store attached to the house, have added some loft insulation to two air bricks in kitchen (no longer required as pantry & flue not used). I've made a list of insulation improvement jobs to get done before autumn.....replace black seals on some windows as there are gaps and I feel a draught, re-do the exterior silicone seal on window, get a chimney sheep (does allow ventilation) to block an old flue, add door insulation tape to vestibule door. I have ordered curtians for kitchen and will add a door curtain there too along with thermal linings. Will hopefully help as the kitchen is a heat drain due to multiple points open to exterior......

Mstty

Northern_Wanderer said:

Mstty said:

Cursed will be the neighbours that want a chat in an open door this winter lol

Invite them in or go outside to chat?

You have played the "come in" no I need to get home...still standing there 30 mins later game haven't you 🤣🤣

Northern_Wanderer

Mstty said:

Northern_Wanderer said:

Mstty said:

Cursed will be the neighbours that want a chat in an open door this winter lol

Invite them in or go outside to chat?

You have played the "come in" no I need to get home...still standing there 30 mins later game haven't you 🤣🤣

It can go like that but if it's winter that door is going to be shut one way or another....I will just say "it's too cold to have the door open". Even is summer I prefer the door shut, hate the flies or moths coming in within three seconds of an open door lol.

VoucherMan

https://www.aldi.co.uk/avenue-men's-grey-borg-hoody/p/809329581805900

Bought one; tried it on; decided I was too hot wearing it on a cool summer's day, which means it will be ideal to keep warm in the winter.

Since bought another three, and I reckon they'll pay for themselves in less than a month this winter with the thermostat at 15 or 16 Celsius.

LilMissSunshine

Well as its so hot im spending more time in the garden in the evenings which has noticeably cut my electricity costs. In winter, I am going back to the office full time (only in 3 days a week at the moment) so won't need to heat my house during the day, will also reduce electricity costs a little bit. The battery on my phone is old and easily need to charge it 2-3 times a day, I have a powerbank that can charge my phone 4 tims so ill just charge it up at work so I dont need to charge my phone at home. 

I'm also going to work on my fitness so more time in the gym and take up swimming - all helps to reduce how much time im at home.