Second month of heating: reduced gas usage by 44%

The_Green_Hornet

Grumpy_chap said:

Ally_E. said:

Gas usage: 1,460kW/h in 2022 vs 2,615kW/h in 2021.

These are interesting threads, but how do you get to have these levels of data in the first place to monitor the success (o otherwise) of any changes?

I keep a spreadsheet which contains weekly/monthly/annual data going back to 2009.

[Deleted User]

Grumpy_chap said:

Ally_E. said:

Gas usage: 1,460kW/h in 2022 vs 2,615kW/h in 2021.

These are interesting threads, but how do you get to have these levels of data in the first place to monitor the success (o otherwise) of any changes?

You read your meter?

I don't, because I'm not really that bothered about it - but if I wanted to have my own data about how much I used it would seem like a sensible place to start.

ariarnia

if you have been with your energy supplier for more than 2 years and give them readings (or have a smart reader) but dont keep a record yourself you can also look for readings on bills or maybe on your online account? 

you just need to remember energy is in kwh on the meter but gas needs converting (the formula is on your bill)

Ally_E.

Grumpy_chap said:

Ally_E. said:

Gas usage: 1,460kW/h in 2022 vs 2,615kW/h in 2021.

These are interesting threads, but how do you get to have these levels of data in the first place to monitor the success (o otherwise) of any changes?

I take a meter reading on the 22nd of every month and keep a spreadsheet. 

Ally_E.

The_Green_Hornet said:

I haven't made any changes and my consumption is down 39% so the bulk of any reduction still appears to be due to the mild Autumn weather.

As you can see the temperature this month only varied by half a degree compared to last year, so is not a major factor.

I also put the bit about keeping track of average daily temperature higher up in the post, but people are still missing it. 

Alnat1

Easiest thing to stick up the chimney is an old cushion. I tried an old pillow first but there was way too much of it and it all hung down and looked silly. I've threaded some string through the middle of the cushion and tied a big button to it, so there's something to remind me it's there (mid 50s female, we get those forgetful moments) 

FreeBear

Comparing bills from last year....

Gas for Oct 2021, 245KWh, Oct 2022, just 11KWh

For Nov 2021, 615KWh, Nov 2022, on target for 250KWh (bill will  be generated at the weekend).

wild666

The flow temperature of water for my heating is set at 39 degrees with the thermostat set at 16.5 degrees. I've had the heating on for the last two days but I will find out how much the heating has cost me when I read the gas meter on Friday. I expect it to be a lot less than last year as the thermostat was at 20 degrees, my daughter increased it from the 16.5 degrees and I didn't check the thermostat. 

brewerdave

wild666 said:

The flow temperature of water for my heating is set at 39 degrees with the thermostat set at 16.5 degrees. I've had the heating on for the last two days but I will find out how much the heating has cost me when I read the gas meter on Friday. I expect it to be a lot less than last year as the thermostat was at 20 degrees, my daughter increased it from the 16.5 degrees and I didn't check the thermostat. 

Are the rads. even getting warm with a flow temp. that low ?? I turned mine down but found that the last few days, the rads. didn't get hot enuf to generate heat in the rooms such that the thermostat never even reached 18 deg 

silvercar

Alnat1 said:

Easiest thing to stick up the chimney is an old cushion. I tried an old pillow first but there was way too much of it and it all hung down and looked silly. I've threaded some string through the middle of the cushion and tied a big button to it, so there's something to remind me it's there (mid 50s female, we get those forgetful moments) 

Interesting. I have a bag of shredded paper. I wonder if replacing it would reduce the heat loss. Threaded string is an excellent idea. OH is reluctant for us to block the fireplace in the main room as we do actually burn wood in it......on average twice a year!