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Off Topic: When does your central heating go on?

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  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    I’m thankful for having a smart meter. It’s helped me to be more mindful of what I’m using on a daily basis rather than waiting for the bill each month. I can make reactive changes in almost real time. 

    I’ve reduced my electricity by 40% this month and my gas by 20%. 

    I think I’ve found my winter groove in this new place. 

    The heat pump dryer I bought has made a huge difference. Definitely worth it if you can afford it. 

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited February 2022
    I’ve reduced my electricity by 40% this month and my gas by 20%. 

    The heat pump dryer I bought has made a huge difference. Definitely worth it if you can afford it. 


    I had no idea such a thing existed! I don't need a tumble drier myself, but great to know about the tech. What percentage of the usage fall is down to the new dryer, do you think? @TheGreenMan


    My lovely little heat pad has saved my butt this winter. Powered by about the same energy as a light bulb; keeps me toasty when ill.


    I think thick door curtains have made a big difference to heat comservation in the old house.
  • I have the central heating on at 10c generally and turn it up to 21c for when I wash my hair.  I received a heated cape down to waist and use this mainly to keep warm.  If I still feel cold I turn the heating up for a while and add a layer and revert to my heated cape.  In winter at night especially I add the layers, especially a furry lounger.  In summer my home still feels cool as I’m set back behind the trees and often need a heat source.  I have a hot water bottle.  Dove my teeth were chattering while reading your review.
  • We’ve been much more mindful of heating use and tried to restrict it as much as possible.

    We’re fortunate that our house warms up quickly and retains the heat quite well. Especially in the living room which is now almost enclosed.

    We set ours to 15 degrees, which with our thermostat position seems to work best.

    We run it for a couple of hours in the morning and then leave it off until about 4pm-7pm. Even when we’ve been at home over Christmas we didn’t leave it running all day.

    We’ve been in credit with our energy company all through winter and been able to reduce our direct debit. They originally increased it by £15 a month in autumn saying that otherwise, they forecasted we’d end up with a large balance to pay off at the end of our plan.

    So we must have dramatically underused energy compared to what they expected. Good habit to get into before the price hike!
    East Yorkshire
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I've reduced my DD this year too.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    edited February 2022
    I think a mild winter helped. Our lounge faces south,if it's sunny,it's lovely. If its below 15 in the day,I'll put it on,18c max comfortable for me. I keep reading women want it hotter. Not this one. It warms up very quickly,so I always turn off when I go out. Can't bear it hot in bed,feel like I am suffocating!! Still got the summer duvet on the bed. If hubby gets up before me,he plonks a duvet on himself. Kept the radiation wall fire in the bathroom,great for a quick fix when you have a shower. We're still in credit,I did a 2 year fix in April, debating whether to get DD reduced.  Those tumble dryers are 3 times the price of the normal vented ones. I check the forecast
     There was a tiny shower yesterday then Washing out. Can't remember last time I used the dryer. I did buy myself a heated airer, much cheaper to run. I have economy 7,and most washing is done on cold cycle.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I am forever turning the heating down to 18 or so. OH will happily have it up at 22 or 23 given half a chance.

    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    JennyJ said:
    I am forever turning the heating down to 18 or so. OH will happily have it up at 22 or 23 given half a chance.


    22 or 23!!!!!!  I'd have a fit!

    I've conditioned my OH to feel fine at 18.  :D
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    Fire said:
    I’ve reduced my electricity by 40% this month and my gas by 20%. 

    The heat pump dryer I bought has made a huge difference. Definitely worth it if you can afford it. 


    I had no idea such a thing existed! I don't need a tumble drier myself, but great to know about the tech. What percentage of the usage fall is down to the new dryer, do you think? @TheGreenMan



    It uses 50% less energy compared to the previous drier and doesn't steam up the room so I also don't need to run the dehumidifier as I used to. It takes a little longer but doesn't completely dehydrate the clothes to the point of them being stiff.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I wish I could condition mine! It's not as if he doesn't have jumpers to wear, he just seems to like sitting around in light summer clothes. He might change his tune when the fixed price deal ends.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
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