I'm just so sad about the cost of heating.

[Moojoo]

I'm disabled and have raynauds so really feel it.
I have children and am on a low income/disability.

It's getting so cold and I've still not put the heating on at all because I'm trying to save it for when we really need it but the kids have said they're cold a few times and I've had to just tell them to watch a film in bed and put an extra layer on.

It's just so unaffordable

I wish I could just put it on and leave it on all day :(

It seems so unfair that gas companies are making such huge profits whilst people sit in the cold.

Can you get heated throws and heat the person not the room? They are cheap to run, we've just got FiL one as he was worried about the heating costs and he loves it.

But yes, i agree re the costs and profit making. And don't get me started on water companies that have you over a barrel as you can't shop around.

Yes it's appalling.

Do look at your local council website/your utility company and see if there's any upgrades or grants for energy efficiency works.

Are you eligible for the warm home discount at all. Its £150 but it goes onto the electric so you could get some electric blow air heaters for your kids rooms

Yes but It doesn't really go far over 6 months. I am grateful for it but it doesn't mean we can stay comfover winter.

Last year I was frugal and my billls went from 140 to 280 and that was just putting it on when we absolutely needed to. Not having it on everyday

Electric heaters are even more expensive to run that the heating I think? And I don't have any money to buy them.

It's awful isn't it and so unfair thar there's no help for people with health conditions.

you definitely need a heated throw, very cheap to run and really good to use whenever sat down on the sofa, in bed etc (though we turn ours off at night)

They used to be more expensive to run but not anymore. I understand about the discount. In my house it basically lasts 2 months so the other 4 months is a case of watching what we use carefully. Regards to the heaters, you can get them relatively cheap now, £20 on Amazon and they are alot cheaper than what gas heating costs

Electric blankets for Christmas could be a winner.

Interested in the heated throws. Could anyone recommend one? Can't afford the heating anymore now either so I really sympathise.

Amazon have loads.

https://amzn.eu/d/fsAI9uq I bought this one earlier this year. The reviews are good but I was still a bit sceptical and it's amazing.

Much, much cheaper than having my full heating on or a fan heater even for just a short time e.g first thing in the morning.

I was mostly sceptical about the claim it is washable but i've washed mine several times now and it's still working.

It's also so thick and heavy that it's warm enough most of the time even without using the heating elements.

I think we should all normalise wearing more layers! I have had my adult daughter staying for a few days, turning the heating up whilst wearing leggings and a thin jumper (she also has Reynauds) - jumpers, socks, wrist warmers

I think we should all normalise wearing more layers!

I agree with this.
I've never had the heating on all day.
I do, however, wear layers, and clothes that tuck in and don't leave gaps.

Heat the person, not the room

Op I'm sorry you are struggling. Can you ask your energy company for a financial/warm home review??? Octopus did one for me and I got a payment holiday and a free electric blanket x what company are you with??

That's what I do, I'm in 3 layers now with an oodie and a hat and gloves on

Utility warehouse x

@Moojoo can you switch to a cheaper supplier?? I know its difficult with the colder weather. I'm normally wearing three layers 😐

Normalize layers? When did it ever stop?

Im 54 my kids have always had layers, blankets, thick socks, thermals, we’ve never had the heating on for more than 2 hours a day. 1 fist thing and one before bed. Basically when we take showers.

they now can’t sleep in hot rooms.

We time the oven being on to heat the kitchen and dining room.

And I’m sorry but companies and the government do help hose in need, unfortunately there’s a lot of people claiming now more than ever.

Try some charities, they can usually help.

Electric blankets are not electric heaters.

they are incredibly cost efficient
worth looking into getting one. You can also get ones that are basically big oodies but electrically heated.they cost pence to run

or good old fashioned hot water bottle strapped to your front? I wedge mine between trousers and top 🥴

the energy crisis is a bag of shit though and you have my sympathy it’s awful being cold all the time

Moojo, I also have Reynauds though no physical disabilities. I find that having a hot water bottle on my lap to rest my hands on every so often helps to keep my hands from going into a spasm. I have an electric foot warmer for my feet, though this might not work for you, depending on your disability.

Electric is more expensive per kWh than gas.

We don't have any gas so very familiar with electric options and none of them compete.

Yes you can run one small heater for less than the full gas central heating but it isn't necessarily more efficient to do so.

The best thing you can do is to turn off any radiators in places they are not cost effective (i.e you are not really using the room or heating) and to try and keep the heat you do pay for. So old fashioned methods, heavy curtains, draught excluders, keeping doors shut etc.

Some of the low energy keep person warm suggestions like a heated gilet or electric throw would make more sense but if course you have initial outlay.

We have the dreamland one which is good, you can control the temp (1-6) and it has a timer on it, up to 9hrs

https://www.johnlewis.com/dreamland-luxury-heated-throw/teal/p5111250?s_ppc=2dx_mixed_technology_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1zDMXOIarUw6gKoOGCqbQSzK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqdK9t8KQiQMVdJNQBh1gqCXIEAQYDCABEgKEGfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

It’s often on offer for less than this. Comes in a few colours. The silentnight one looks similar

I got one from M&S last weekend. It is nice and soft. My DD spent everytime she was sitting down under it she liked it so much. (I had to order it online)

Lidl may still have some in stock if there is a branch near you.

What's your cost per unit and is your heating very old? Do you bleed radiators? 280 for having it on just sometimes seems quite a lot