Scottish Power increasing my direct debit to £130!!

MarkyMarkD

In some areas everyone had economy 7 - it certainly applies where we live.

If you don't have it, it is not a big deal. But if you do have it, it's going to make sense to take full advantage.

You do more dishwashing than us, but less washing - we have nappies to wash every third night. But you probably spend slightly more on them because of not being on Economy 7.

I presume that you've already replaced all your bulbs with low energy ones? That could save a fair amount.

Regarding the thermostatic valves, they are cheap enough to buy - under £10 each - and your plumber relative can install them for you, so the full job won't cost much. Makes things a lot more comfortable, avoiding hot and cold spots round the house and saving some money into the bargain.

I would generally suggest only replacing your central heating system when it actually goes wrong, especially given that you have someone you can trust to install a new one for you. As I said before, old systems are really not that much more expensive to run than newer ones.

The challenge about the immersion heater was a good one - have you checked? Do you ever use it for any reason? (You shouldn't, if you have gas CH).

kirstymccr

I will look into economy 7 i know my parents use it as they are rural and not able to get gas. I havent replaced my lightbulbs - will do asap.

Aah so the valves can be attached to the radiators - i assumed i would need to replace radiators. I have checked my immersion and its not on but my dial under the gas fire was turned to high so i have turned that down - hopefully this will help and i have actually switched off the heating and hot water and will use as needed. I have an electric shower which i prefer to a bath anyway so only need hot water to wash my hands !

Cardew

kirstymccr wrote: »

Aah so the valves can be attached to the radiators - i assumed i would need to replace radiators.

The TRVs are fitted in place of the valve you use to turn on/off the radiator.

I would also agree with MarkyMarkD above about the disadvantages of combi boilers over conventional boilers with a Hot Water tank; especially the poorer supply of Hot Water in winter.

The primary reason Combi boilers are fitted by builders is not because they save on running costs, but because they are a simpler(hence cheaper) system to fit without a tank and associated plumbing.

To my mind it would be a unwise move to rip out a Hot Water tank and plumbing for the relatively small saving on Hot Water running costs. You can still have a combi boiler supplying a HW tank.

On the question of 'paying for itself in a year'. There are far more costs involved in fitting a boiler than the cost of the boiler itself.

There are loads of new regulations for ventilation, flue etc as well as adapting all the plumbing, gas piping, disposing of old boiler, especially if you do decide to rip out the HW tank. This has to be certified by a Corgi fitter.

Even if your relative works for free, you are probably talking £1,500. and you will be looking at savings of what £200 - £300pa??