Cutting down on using heating

[Oaktree1233]

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.

Just me, 2 bed ground floor purpose built apartment (built 18 years ago)
I WFH so am here all the time!

Last year we kept the thermostat at 18 during the day (it's always off at night) and it was miserable.

18 is what we have our thermostat set at to be comfortable. We turned it down to 16 last winter. 16 wasn’t miserable but it’s going back up to 18 this winter

We had ours at 14, which meant 14 at the thermostat downstairs, warmer upstairs, 16 in the sitting room with the door closed. Evening only if we were leaving for college or work. It wasn't miserable but I think any lower would have been. We are a healthy adult and teen. We will have a young child staying occasionally this winter, it will be set to 18 then.

Last year we kept thermostat at 18 but use log burner in living room in the evening. If it's very cold, we'll have a fire during the day but that's rare and not generally term time.
DH WFH full time whereas I am hybrid and might go into work more if I'm cold!

I won't go less than 18 as we get mould. I do ventilate but have thermometers with humidity on too - I do get concerned at humidity levels sometimes but keep an eye on it. I think my bedroom is the worst for that, possibly due to en suite. Bedroom door open all day and window on vent.

I line dry washing and have a ceiling mounted laundry airer in the living room (no humidity issues here with fire and windows vented). I do have a tumble drier but am too mean to use it other than emergencies (1 school uniform emergency so far this year)

Heat pumps are the worst and a lot more expensive. Nordic countries they work great but not in the uk and I do not know why.

My house is about 13 at the moment. I heat the rooms I am in to higher temperatures, and turn the gas on when the outside temperatures get below freezing to prevent the pipes freezing up.

I never get mould because the humidity levels are 40-50%, kept that way with a dehumidifier.

The problem is that a lot of people think that turning the heating on and off is the only way to manage the environment in a house, when in actual fact managing the humidity is just as important. A lot of people have a massive light bulb moment when they finally realise this.

Here is your gold ⭐️

I, however, don’t care about taking a moral high ground point, and instead will enjoy being warm and having a nice environment to live in.

If you want to live in the cold you get on with that. I don’t want to wear a jumper indoors nor do I want mould growing up my walls.

The best way to save energy is usually through insulation.

If you haven't considered insulation there are normally some quick wins that you can do that reduce your energy consumption considerably.

Thermal imaging cameras are a pretty good way of finding out where the worst heat leaks are in a house, although they can be a bit pricey. I have some other applications for them that make them better value for money. Maybe in a couple of years you will be able to get a half decent phone attachment one for less than £100.

No thanks, I don't want to sit inside my own home freezing my tits off.

House is already as insulated as possible, new roof and windows and not suitable for external cladding.

I'm luckily in a slightly better financial position than last winter so will be using it more not less.