This is our first year in this house which we bought 'requiring modernisation' so most of our energy savings are still at the planning (saving up for) stage.
Our hall and kitchen are lit by long flourescent tubes. They are quite noisy but nice and bright. Was initially very worried about their energy consumption but now believe that they might be energy efficient - relatively - so advice welcome. Anything we can keep we really need to keep.
Other than this at the moment I always fill the gas oven up when I use it. Only thing is I have to have it on a high setting because it doesn't seem to cook very well when I use the recipe suggesting setting. Have been lent an oven thermometer so am checking. Use a stove top steamer for veg cooking. Great investment that was - 3 veg on one ring.
The house badly needs cavity wall insulation so I'm looking into that. All windows front and back are double glazed but on the coldest side of the house they left the old windows - including two sash ones. They are beautiful but very drafty. In the upstairs loo I dressed it with bubble plastic behind the net curtain. I'm in the process of sewing thermal linings on all the curtains but only cos the previous owner left them in a cupboard.
Our boiler looks pretty damn old, a Potterton one and most of the radiators have had it. They are full of air, as is the whole noisy system, but we are unable to bleed them as someone has worn the nuts away so the key won't turn. Wonder if these nuts can be replaced? If not our local tip has a shop which often has rads for a fiver or less.
I'm interested in any solar charging devices as our house faces south but at the moment we don't have the cash to invest in anything and my husband is fanatical about electricity and the fact that it shouldn't be touched by anyone who isn't qualified. I think cheap portable charging devices are the way to go - phone chargers wd be a good start. And laptops?
We've got two open fires (1930) original tile fireplaces with an open grate. This winter we've burned all the rubbish wood from the garden, mixed with coal. I've a feeling these are not so efficient as log burners but don't think we will be changing them. We have a bit of wood left for next winter but need to stock up and am hoping to scavenge a fair bit or most. I did run the heating on at the same time because its hard to get teenagers to all huddle in the same room with you and tbh its quite a relief to have them upstairs .
My main worry (apart from the spring fuel bills) is the kettle. I drink tea and coffee all day long. I've been trying to investigate the efficiency of my leccy kettle over a gas hob whistling kettle but getting nowhere.
Lots of people I found on the net having discussions on this but no consensus that I cd see. Can't afford the price of a one-cup-kettle and don't have space for it.
Wd consider a gas kettle good investment for space but wd my cuppa be cheaper on gas?
Long post full of questions. Sorry. Like I said we're in a new (old) place so have lots to figure out
Sorry if I've upset anyone because we're burning coal.
Truth is that I'm really not convinced that us burning coal will effect climate change. I care very much about the environment but as yet am unconvinced that climate change is effected by Co2.
