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Original poster

Keeping warm WFH

113 replies

Coldwinterahead1 · 27/08/2020 08:20

I’m just doing a bit of forward planning as I’m pretty sure that I’ll be wfh indefinitely now. It’s just dawned on me that my heating bills are going to go up massively if I’m home all day. I’m thinking of getting an Oodie and heating one room with a small oil rad on low. Does anyone have any tips?

OP posts:

UsernameTaken76 · 27/08/2020 14:45

I’ve resorted to blanket, hot water bottle and a hot chocolate today as it’s gone very cold. Also using some of the tips on here to find new slippers and more blankets as I really don’t want to put the heating on

hoistbymyownzombiepetard · 27/08/2020 15:26

Our monthly direct debit doesn't change and hasn't changed in 2 years. Not sure what the joke is?

Can you think of anything that has happened in recent months which may mean that people are working from home and need to heat their houses when previously the heating will have been off for several hours a day? If you need a clue it begins with Corona and ends with virus.

Alternatively, can you let us all have the details of your supplier who won't alter the DD amount when you have the heating on for waaaay longer than usual for several months. Sounds like a bargain.

BashfulClam · 27/08/2020 15:30

@UsernameTaken76

I have my eye on microwave heated slippers!!!

BashfulClam · 27/08/2020 15:31

Heated mouse mats!!!! At least one hand will be warm!

HoldMyLobster · 27/08/2020 15:37

I live in Maine and my house is not particularly airtight, so it gets very cold in winter. I tuck a fleece blanket around myself, wear Ugg boots with wool socks, and wear at least two layers of wool sweaters.

Any kind of extra heating in my study gives me a headache - tried fan heater and oil radiator.

I do often turn the heating up a bit so it's not completely freezing.

We also have a wood stove that helps heat the house, and we cut all our own wood so it's effectively free.

This winter my children will probably be doing online schooling from home at least 2-3 days a week so I suspect our bills are going to go up anyway.

Going to look at heated throws now...

peridito · 27/08/2020 15:45

am I the only person put off the Oodie because of it's looks ? So frumpy and square .And why so short ?

Fluffycloudland77 · 27/08/2020 15:45

@fartyface

Heated throw. Game changer :)

I love my heated throw. It’s the fur one and it sheds like a fucker so don’t get the fur one.

TheDogsMother · 27/08/2020 15:45

I've been working from home for a few years and live in a hard to heat house. Also our heating is LPG which is the most expensive method out there so I never have the heating on in the day during winter. Lots of layers, thick socks, bootee slippers and for the coldest of days long fingerless gloves I will definitely be checking out these heated throws though, they sound brilliant.

roses2 · 27/08/2020 15:49

@UnfinishedSymphon

We pay for gas/electric on monthly direct debit, the amount doesn't go up or down dependant on what season it is, not having the heating on in the summer months balances out the winter months - is that not how it is for you?

Working from home means using your heating during the day. More usage = higher monthly direct debit

ittooshallpass · 27/08/2020 15:52

@UnfinishedSymphon

I get where you're coming from. I switched to working from home 3 years ago and my bills barely changed. I turn my heating on in October and off in March.

I was always taught to leave heating on and just adjust as you need it (for me that's up in the morning and down at night or if I go out throughout the winter).

I don't get cold when I'm sitting at home, but I do wear layers and have a steady flow of hot drinks.

I think some people are just colder than others - it never crossed my mind that heating bills would be a problem WFH.

AmberShadesofGold · 27/08/2020 15:54

As you've said, OP, offse the extra cost in your mind against the commuting costs you save. Plus, make sure to claim the £6 a week tax back: www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/working-at-home

I also set aside a couple of in the day to be active. e.g. I break for and early lunch and walk the dog then again 20 mins in the afternoon for a quick yoga session - this warms me up loads and that warmth lasts

RedRiverShore · 27/08/2020 15:56

DH hasn’t saved much money wfh because he cycles to work, it’s about a 20 mile round trip. He has managed to put on weight though as he is not now doing the exercise. We will have the heating on anyway as I am retired and it will be for both of us, sometimes it can feel a bit much to have heating on all day for one person. I think if your company won’t pay the £6 you can still get the tax relief on it which I think works out at about £60 a year for a normal rate tax payer

modgepodge · 27/08/2020 15:57

The OP is saving £80 per month in commuting costs...that’s almost a grand a year. Bearing in mind you presumably have not had increased heating costs since at least April, surely you’ll actually end up better off, even if you have to heat your house for a few more hours each day for 5/6 months of the year? Appreciate this won’t be the case for everyone, if they had no/very low commuting costs, but for the OP I can’t see the problem?!

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