So I've had to give in and switch on the heating.

[joelallie]

How do I make it the least environmentally damaging I can? We have plenty of insulation and double glazing. We don't want steam heat just to keep it reasonably livable. I've been told that in old houses it's best to leave the CH on very low all the time, than to switch it on for a few hours at a higher temp as then it has to heat up a load of cold air. Does anyone know if this is just a miff or has it some truth.

Hi joelallie - not heard that one before!!

We live in an old stone built house and we tend to have the heating on for a couple of hours in the morning and then a couple of hours midday9 if we need it) then a couple more in the evening - goes off at about 7.15 then we just use the gas fire in the lounge if its chilly. That seems to work fine.

As for being environmentally friendly I think the best thing you can do is if it gets chilly put a jumper on!!

Thermosats on radiators are good as well as it means you can control individual room temperatures.

I very rarely put the heating on and when I do I usually get too warm within an hour so I open the windows

I've a friend who NEVER uses the heating, but then she lives in a terraced house so benefits from the houses at either side. Since not using heating she has never had a cold, flu or anything.

So, this year, we are going to try and do the same, ie, not having any heating on, we have fleece blanks to all cuddle up together under etc, but, if it got unbearably cold then I would have to put the heatin on for a short while on low temp

I find keeping all doors closed helps keep heat in etc.

I'm new to this environmentally friendly thing too and really enjoying it.

Yes I think it is true[ch on low setting all the time]We live by the sea in Ireland and try not to use ch much at all,we wear extra layers of everyhing -I even have a scarf this morning-and will light a turf fire tonight.