Some basic advice please

biggshot

Apologies if this sounds daft but I need some basic advice on how GCH system works and why I get huge gas bills.

We have a combi-boiler in the loft and next to it is the water tank. Directly underneath this (in the bedroom) we have an immersion cylinder (I think this stores hot water). The timer control is located here through which I set on and off times for hot water and central heating. There is one thermostat in the hallway which is set at 24 at the moment. None of my radiators have any control devices on them to set temp etc.

My timer settings are common for GCH and HW (ON 5:30 am & OFF 8:30am, ON 5:30pm & OFF 10:30pm).

1. When does the gas meter keep ticking? Is it between my on&off times only?

2. I usually change the hot water setting on my timer (turn it OFF) at 7:30pm as we dont need too much hot water in the evening. Do I save any money there even if central heating is on?

3. Do I save any money if I turn off the radiator in the box room? Is it advisable?

4. I know there is a draught issue in my house which needs sorting. Is this the reason for huge bills?

5. Is it more efficient to use the electric heater in the lounge for a few hours rather than keep radiators burning in the whole house (esp during weekends)?

Would be grateful if somebody can give some tips on improving energy efficiency. We are just 2 people in a 3-bed semi house and we pay a lot on gas/elec bills!

Many thanks in advance.

zarazara

do you have thermostatic controls on the radiators? you could turn the box room one down low just so it doesnt freeze and shut the door. if you have thick lined curtains and keep them closed in the box room that will retain heat.is your loft well insulated around 10 inches or more of insulation material.if you have cavity walls consider cavity wall insulation.do you have double glazing? keep curtains closed when not using the rooms even during the day.close all curtains at dusk and tuck in behind radiator.use insulation foil behind radiators to reflect heat back [ if on external wall]draftproof the house.wear a fleece/layers/wooly pully and warm slippers.wash laundry at 30 degrees

zarazara

that should read FIT thermostatic valves to radiators.make sure water cylinder is well lagged.you can keep one room warm/hot with radiators with valves and the other rooms warm/cool/cold what ever you want.24 degress is HOT 18-20 is fine for the sitting room, cooler in other parts of the house.

Cardew

zarazara wrote: »

that should read FIT thermostatic valves to radiators.make sure water cylinder is well lagged.you can keep one room warm/hot with radiators with valves and the other rooms warm/cool/cold what ever you want.24 degress is HOT 18-20 is fine for the sitting room, cooler in other parts of the house.

I don't know how you measure the temperature in your living room - a thermometer or relying on the thermostat dial??

However 18-20C is IMO low for the sitting room.

samtheman1k

biggshot wrote: »

Apologies if this sounds daft but I need some basic advice on how GCH system works and why I get huge gas bills.

We have a combi-boiler in the loft and next to it is the water tank. Directly underneath this (in the bedroom) we have an immersion cylinder (I think this stores hot water). The timer control is located here through which I set on and off times for hot water and central heating. There is one thermostat in the hallway which is set at 24 at the moment. None of my radiators have any control devices on them to set temp etc.

My timer settings are common for GCH and HW (ON 5:30 am & OFF 8:30am, ON 5:30pm & OFF 10:30pm).

1. When does the gas meter keep ticking? Is it between my on&off times only?

2. I usually change the hot water setting on my timer (turn it OFF) at 7:30pm as we dont need too much hot water in the evening. Do I save any money there even if central heating is on?

probably not a great deal of money saved if your tank is well insulated. Personally I leave my hot water on 24/7 as it is well insulated and loses very little heat.

biggshot wrote: »

3. Do I save any money if I turn off the radiator in the box room? Is it advisable?

yes that will save you some money

biggshot wrote: »

4. I know there is a draught issue in my house which needs sorting. Is this the reason for huge bills?

yes, drafts will increase your heating bills.

biggshot wrote: »

5. Is it more efficient to use the electric heater in the lounge for a few hours rather than keep radiators burning in the whole house (esp during weekends)?

Tough one this, generally no if you had TRVs fitted as you have gas.

biggshot wrote: »

Would be grateful if somebody can give some tips on improving energy efficiency. We are just 2 people in a 3-bed semi house and we pay a lot on gas/elec bills!

As others have said, it sounds like you really need TRVs on your radiators as this will set the temperature in each room individually (or turn them off). This shouldn't cost too much, and easy to do your self if you are confident in doing this kind of thing (you may also need an auto bypass valve).

biggshot

Thanks to all. I am going to call British Gas to get the insulations done and maybe get the TRVs fitted. Will help next Winter!