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AIBU?

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Original poster

Cutting down on using heating

110 replies

Oaktree1233 · 17/10/2023 08:48

I was just thinking that if everyone used slightly less heat than in previous years this will ultimately be good for everyone. I’m trying to use far less heat not just due to cost but also because it’s using gas. I think that it needs to become more acceptable to bundle up in jumpers and blankets. Obviously, the ill and vulnerable or people with small children can’t do this as well. AIBU.

Im trying to think what we can do to lessen energy use. I’m waiting for more efficient solar panels to be marketed in the next 2 years but am really keen to get them. It would be good if there were more Government grants to make everyone go solar - think how much energy that would produce.

OP posts:
RoseAndRose · 17/10/2023 09:03

You heat the person, not the space.

And I'm wondering why you seem to think that's not possible for the elderly, the vulnerable and children? Why can't they wear warmer clothes, or be under a blanket, perhaps with a hot water bottle?

MintJulia · 17/10/2023 09:02

I'm with you OP. I've been adding insulation, installing better doors and windows since I bought our house 12 years ago. It's an old house so there was plenty I could do.

Installed a log burner (we're rural), cut water heating to only we what we actually use, and managed to keep last year's utilities bill to £1400. It takes a bit of effort but can be done.

Gymmum82 · 17/10/2023 09:00

We have cut down on using the heating. Purely for cost reasons.
The house seems to be ok so far but I do worry about mould etc. We managed ok last winter but it was unpleasant being cold a lot of the time.
Layers helped to a degree. But when the air is so cold it’s not a nice feeling

Coffeerum · 17/10/2023 09:00

I imagine the average household in the UK uses much less energy when heating their homes than warmer countries spend cooling them. We really don't have a culture of running the heating all day long anyway. Most people heat their home to a comfortable temperature in the early morning and early evening hours and they aren't running around in shorts and t shirts all day during the winter.

The reality is residential solar panels are not the answer in the UK. Higher cost construction with things like Diathonite plaster and more Passivhaus principles would be a better long term approach. But as a country we allow construction companies to build quickly and cheaply without considering the long term sustainability.

TheTurn0fTheScrew · 17/10/2023 08:58

Yeah, you don't want to get too Mumsnet/four Yorkshire men in this. I cut down significantly last year and was then faced with quite a lot of black mould appearing behind furniture.

Cowlover89 · 17/10/2023 08:58

Yabu

Starlightstarbright2 · 17/10/2023 08:57

Yabu .. I am delaying putting my heating on for cost reasons .

if you want to be more energy efficient go for it .

telling others to live their lives by your choices yabu

ShellySarah · 17/10/2023 08:55

My boyfriends house doesn't have gas. It would cost thousands to run the gas line down his road. He has electric wall heaters. His house has black mould and damp. That's the reality.

You want to bundle up in jumpers good for you. But don't pretend there are no down sides.

RedHelenB · 17/10/2023 08:54

I don't want to be huddled under a blanket when I'm not working . Yabu.

Normalsizedsalad · 17/10/2023 08:53

Many UK houses already suffer with damp and mould so less heating (and airing) will not "ultimately be good for everyone".