Any old style tips for newly single older vegetarian lady

kimwp

Cornwell27 said:

Unfortunately there’s no Economy 7, just a standard rate. I really think I’ve made a mistake buying this flat and I’m trying not to panic too much 😔.  This year has been hideous and now I’m questioning why I rushed into buying it, even though I know it’s because I can’t afford a house, but it’s too late now, all I can do is try not to let it overwhelm me

There are very few decisions without some cons, but you have a whole forum of people knowledgeable in different areas (not to mention the rest of the internet and people you know in real life!) to help with any advice you need. You can do this 💪

SootySweep1

Hi

Another thing to consider is, is there anything you can do to make your flat warmer?

So things like decent curtains & see if you have any drafts you could stop to keep any heating you generate in your flat ?

Jen

Katiehound

Maybe you can sit and write a list of the positive things about the flat- you certainly need to stay there for the time being.
Doesn't matter how small- put it on the list!

Would cheap tweaks make you happier?  A tin  of paint, a 'new' throw? change the layout? 
take a trip to a few charity shops- change does not need to cost a lot.

CapricornLass

Thick heavy curtains can make a real difference to the amount of heat that is being lost through windows.  Thermal blinds too, although there will be a cost in buying these,  We have thermal blinds in our kitchen, where there is a lot of glass and it raises the temperature by 2-3 degrees.  It doesn't sound a lot, but it does make the room more comfortable.

You may be able to pick up thick curtains in a charity shop.  The downside of that is that they won't match anything in your room, but if its extra warmth you need?....

cheerfulness4

I've been checking my electric usage on one of those monitors that you plug the appliance into and I've found some things quite reassuring. The tv was only using 2p per hour, which is a bargain as I use that as my main entertainment, including watching youtube to teach me things including frugality. Mine is a 50 screen.

The kettle was coming in @ 2.5p per half full boil so that is definitely to be watched as its wasteful when you pop it on, get distracted, then do it again 10 minutes later. Will be watching that and going back to old habits of boiling just what we need. (I tried the flask fill up but didn't enjoy it, although my flask might have needed more regular use to avoid that fusty taste).

The chest freezer was around 10p per day and is a medium 4ft type size and crammed full. I don't begrudge that but was surprised it was that  much. Its definitely worth it to use though for the savings we make.

All appliances are different  and so are the amounts we pay for electricity but its handy to have a general idea of individual costs as some things are more or less than you think.  I used to have a list of everything virtually in our house years ago but I'm starting afresh a good 15 or so years on.  I shall work my way round the house checking all I can get access to. 

I'll certainly monitor my electric throw as its fantastic but I want to prove to myself mine really is as low as they say per hour as it really helps my arthritis and its makes you so warm and cosy.  I'll report back on all my findings if it might possibly be of interest to you.

Cornwell27

Hi thanks for all your replies - I’ve bot been able to reply as I got caught as “suspicious”!

I definitely need to sort some thermal curtains out - my lounge is the coldest room as it’s quite large with one end 95% glass due to French doors to my Juliet balcony and 2 windows, I’ve felt round the frames and couldn’t find any drafts which is good - even when it was blowing a storm outside - so I’m thinking just the volume of glass must be why it’s cold. 

I’m out from 06:30-16:00 so during the day the only electricity consumption should be fridge freezer and tv standby, then 2 wall heaters on timers for early morning and when I return from work.

I’m looking forward to seeing where the consumption is spiking so I can work out what the issue is. The immersion heater is off completely because I’m having all showers at my gym.

I’ve started writing down positive things about my flat, and as my favourite yoga teacher says nothing in this life is permanent, it’s all temporary. I want to go into 2025 with a more positive mindset and remind myself of all the good things and focus on those 

Moorviews

Happy New Year 🥳 
I hope that you have a good list of positives now! Showering at the gym sounds perfect as you will also hit those fitness goals. I expect that you know this already so my apologies for mentioning it if you do. Water needs a high enough temperature to kill any Legionella bacteria so if you do turn the immersion tank back on it needs to be heated thoroughly and the pipes flushed through. With the shower I think that you are meant to run it for a while before getting in. I thought maybe when your son moves in that you might be bringing it back into use.
 

You are right about even double glazing benefiting from an extra covering. I have thermal blinds that I pull down behind my bedroom curtains once it gets dark. It used to be possible to buy linings that you can attach behind existing curtains too, which might be good for your full length windows. 

It is cold out and now the weekend so I hope that you are doing okay. 

Pixie_Cosmo

Lots of glazing! Is it possible to add a clingfilm type layer over the glass? It's called a 'window insulation kit', basically stick a layer of film over the glass on tape and use a hairdryer shrink to tighten.

I also have the thermal blackout blinds and thick curtains combo, plus door curtains to keep out draughts. And keep curtains closed in the day to keep in heat. Just have to be careful of mould on the windows / condensation. I have a dehumidifyer as well for clothes drying and keeping damp down. It helps keep the air dryer and warmer as well!

Rosa_Damascena

Combing a couple of tips from above - one of the most worthwhile chazzer buys I have had are a heated blanket!

If there is one that specialises in homewares including electricals then its worth speaking to the manager and asking them to let you know when one such comes in.

Cornwell27

Hi well I’ve bought some thermal curtains in the Dunelm sale as I couldn’t find any second hand that fit, so I’m hoping they will help. I did an experiment and kept the lounge door closed overnight and the rest of the flat stays pretty warm whereas when I went in there in the morning it was noticeably several degreees colder… so that is the room I need to work out how to manage! I’ve also bought an electric blanket for sitting at night, and my ex-mother in law swore by halogen heaters so I’ve also invested in one of those, and last night I was quite ok sitting with it by my legs. 

I also made a lentil sweet potato thing in the slow cooker that will give me 4 days meals again. 

Thanks everyone for suggestions, I’ll keep reading and seeing what else I can do.