To wonder about the heating bills for WFH?

[CheetasOnFajitas]

It’s occurred to me, now that colder weather has set in and it looks like those who can do so will be WFH for the next 6 months- the heating bills are going to be through the roof!

Has anyone’s employer acknowledged that home-based employees are going to have to bear this cost? I know for some it will be offset by no commuting costs, but not for all: my husband and I cycle to work normally.

I do acknowledge that I am personally lucky to (a) have a job that can be done from home and (b) have a job at all.

Mine started paying us an extra £50 a month to cover this at the start of the first lockdown.

I’ve noticed our water bill has gone up as a result of wfh. I guess it’s due to more flushes of the toilet, cups of tea etc,

Heated throw is my saviour.

On the other side, there should be lower heating bills for companies if they can turn the heating down at work because staff aren't there!

@thecatsthecats

I find that having the heat on low all day is more cost and energy efficient than having to warm the place up from scratch every few hours.

And speaking as an employer who has bent over backwards to accommodate staff, provide the tax free allowance, consult with staff about long term plans, adjust to different needs, give a pay rise AND bear the personal brunt of keeping the business that keeps them employed afloat, I'm afraid I take a dim view of any whining after extras from my staff.

I'm glad I don't work for you then. I get minimum wage and I can't afford to subsidise my employer.

My heating boiler clapped out at the beginning of March, perfect timing.

A few days before the installers were to arrive, everything stopped. So I had to innovate.

I got an oil filled rad and a halogen heater, both easy on costs. Always had an all night electric blanket, bliss.

I bought a heated throw that I threw around me and it was fantastic. Google heated throws. Very easy on costs too. I cannot recommend them enough. There are heated shoulder things aswell but I didn't bother.

I just took the hit and thankfully, the weather improved greatly after a couple of weeks.

I suspect I may see a bigger increase in my water bill as no longer showering at the gym/pool.

Yes, I guess you won't spend on travel

@BlueThursday

I’m the same. Had no commuting costs and my lunches were from home anyway.

My gas and electricity has increased by £11 a month since WFH plus having to use my own mobile for calls has made me one of the few who WFH hasn’t been a Monet saver

Your work should be covering your work-related calls.

Commute money? I know it varies but I've saved circa £130 a month on fuel. Could heat a few houses for that

@Xiaoxiong

Our landlord controls the heat in our house and it doesn't get switched on until the end of October and then off in March (freezing cold high ceilings, no double glazing or insulation, etc). I've got a whole system to keep warm at my desk on cold days - electric blanket across my knees, big blanket scarves, thermals under tops AND trousers, flannel-lined jeans, stand up at least once an hour to move around or you really get cold. I have been known to wear a hat at my desk.

The only thing I haven't solved is my hands getting cold while typing. Wrist warmers don't cover my fingers, and I can't type in gloves.

That's so awful

How much are you saving on travel? How much could your employer save by getting someone in a cheaper area of the company to do your job?

@Xiaoxiong

Our landlord controls the heat in our house and it doesn't get switched on until the end of October and then off in March (freezing cold high ceilings, no double glazing or insulation, etc). I've got a whole system to keep warm at my desk on cold days - electric blanket across my knees, big blanket scarves, thermals under tops AND trousers, flannel-lined jeans, stand up at least once an hour to move around or you really get cold. I have been known to wear a hat at my desk.

The only thing I haven't solved is my hands getting cold while typing. Wrist warmers don't cover my fingers, and I can't type in gloves.

What the heck? Why do you not have control over the heating? Surely you're the one paying the bills???

@vanillandhoney yes they should but......

We couldn’t even get a first class stamp out of them before so paying for calls will be WELL down the priorities

@chomalungma

On the other side, there should be lower heating bills for companies if they can turn the heating down at work because staff aren't there!

Exactly!

On our energy account it shows, our electrical use is up by 3kw a day compared to last year - DH has a computer, ipad and two phones in use (work want some things kept separate!) - it's a right little operation. The heating is never on 8am-4/4.30pm, but the best room in the house to set DH up is actually the coldest - he's already moaning it's cold. I've mentioned trying to claim something back, but he doesn't think it's fair with so many extra costs for the government and other people are worse off.

We're on our second round of redundancies at my place of work though, so if I go, I think it'll be time to put in a claim.

@thecatsthecats

I find that having the heat on low all day is more cost and energy efficient than having to warm the place up from scratch every few hours.

And speaking as an employer who has bent over backwards to accommodate staff, provide the tax free allowance, consult with staff about long term plans, adjust to different needs, give a pay rise AND bear the personal brunt of keeping the business that keeps them employed afloat, I'm afraid I take a dim view of any whining after extras from my staff.

I work for a major corporate. There is no comparison to your business situation.

Omfg how many of you pp can't read in the op she said they cycle to work so how on earth is she saving any money not commuting?!

How about putting some extra layers on or is that too radical ?

Can you ask to go into work? Here people can if their home environment isn't suitable. Also wondering how cold places get, I mean it gets chilly here but not ridiculously cold that a few extra layers dont help

Why are people so quick to have a go at the OP?! I think you've got a point OP - why should we have to incur additional costs when we took jobs that were office based? No one could have foreseen this and it's unfair that employees incur these costs and that, if you are in a low paid job and/or work part time, then you can't claim back the small amount from the government.

I used to work from home and was paid £40 per month as an allowance towards heating and lighting etc costs and equipment - you had to have your own PC and printer as a condition of taking the job, but were then expected to use the allowance if you needed to replace anything.

All the people giving advice to wear endless layers, put on gloves and a hat, sit with a hot water bottle or electric blanket - who in their right mind thinks that is a sensible or acceptable way to work? OK if you choose to work at home and choose to live this way, but not for an extended period if it's not your choice!

My heating was always on anyway .

@Blue565

Commute money? I know it varies but I've saved circa £130 a month on fuel. Could heat a few houses for that

It literally states in the OP that she and her DH cycle to work

See, we both have a subsidised canteen so eating lunch at home is also more expensive.

So are you really not saving anything working at home?
I guess you should speak to your employer then if you will struggle to heat your home. If you can afford it, then just enjoy not having to go out on cold winter days and the saving you make in terms of your travel time.

@VivaMiltonKeynes

How about putting some extra layers on or is that too radical ?

My main problem with Working in the cold is my fingers. I type and in the cold they are stiff and uncomfortable. Fingerless gloves increase typos and make me much slower. Extra layers are only OK to an extent because client meetings expect you to look corporate - blouse and jacket, maybe a thin sweater and jacket. That’s not enough for me without upping the heating.