Psychology of energy bills

J

JustTheGent

Well-known member
Anyone refusing to put the heating on because of the cost involved rather than not having the money to pay? I've spoken to numerous people who just won't pay the current prices. If people who can afford it are thinking like that, what are the people that can't afford it thinking?
 
JustTheGent said:
Anyone refusing to put the heating on because of the cost involved rather than not having the money to pay? I've spoken to numerous people who just won't pay the current prices. If people who can afford it are thinking like that, what are the people that can't afford it thinking?
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Probably something along the lines of why is world run by a set of greedy b***ds
 
JustTheGent said:
Anyone refusing to put the heating on because of the cost involved rather than not having the money to pay? I've spoken to numerous people who just won't pay the current prices. If people who can afford it are thinking like that, what are the people that can't afford it thinking?
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Yeah, had someone round to check the meter and advise on energy saving tips. He laughed when I said I’d turned the gas off and wouldn’t be turning it back on.
 
We've managed to keep ours off so far, but we've a baby due to make an appearance in a couple of weeks so keeping the heating off won't be an option then.
Luckily, we should just about be ok to pay the bills if we forego all the enjoyable things in life and don't do christmas this year and change where we shop and what we eat etc, but christ knows how people who are really struggling already are going to cope!
 
Have had it set to 16-18 degrees a few times and it’s come on. Having a 2 year old with medical issues means we can’t really keep it off.
 
I just moved into a house with an oil boiler. Its ancient. I have no idea how much it costs to run yet. Had it on a few times. Making me nervous that when it goes on the fuel will just disappear.

We are lucky that we have a fixed mortgage and a few quid set to one side for bills. I'm not sure how people cope who don't as i'm already on edge regarding a couple of potential leaks and a boiler than may need replacing soon.
 
It’s not just about the cost, one thing that is being overlooked is the additional mental strain it is putting on families. Me and my Mrs have fallen out over the weekend because of the heating, my refusal to put it on for longer and her refusal to listen to the financial implications. Now don’t get me wrong we’re fortunate that we have a healthy relationship but families that are already having difficulties in their relationship could find this as tipping point and I worry about the consequences.
 
FabioPorkpie said:
We've managed to keep ours off so far, but we've a baby due to make an appearance in a couple of weeks so keeping the heating off won't be an option then.
Luckily, we should just about be ok to pay the bills if we forego all the enjoyable things in life and don't do christmas this year and change where we shop and what we eat etc, but christ knows how people who are really struggling already are going to cope!
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You'd be surprised, as newborn babies need their bedrooms at a lowish temperature (they reckon 16-20 degrees Celsius). As someone who loves the house at 21 minimum I found myself having to regulate our heating last winter so that we didn't overheat the baby, and so it may not be as big an issue as you think.

Congrats and good luck on the new arrival though.
 
Pak_Doo_Ik said:
It’s not just about the cost, one thing that is being overlooked is the additional mental strain it is putting on families. Me and my Mrs have fallen out over the weekend because of the heating, my refusal to put it on for longer and her refusal to listen to the financial implications. Now don’t get me wrong we’re fortunate that we have a healthy relationship but families that are already having difficulties in their relationship could find this as tipping point and I worry about the consequences.
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Very good point, it's a difficult time for most, financial, emotional, relationship etc
 
The_Lizards_Jumpers said:
You'd be surprised, as newborn babies need their bedrooms at a lowish temperature (they reckon 16-20 degrees Celsius). As someone who loves the house at 21 minimum I found myself having to regulate our heating last winter so that we didn't overheat the baby, and so it may not be as big an issue as you think.

Congrats and good luck on the new arrival though.
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Thanks for the advice - I'd forgotten that relatively cooler is better for them, so that's a bonus!
 
Pak_Doo_Ik said:
It’s not just about the cost, one thing that is being overlooked is the additional mental strain it is putting on families. Me and my Mrs have fallen out over the weekend because of the heating, my refusal to put it on for longer and her refusal to listen to the financial implications. Now don’t get me wrong we’re fortunate that we have a healthy relationship but families that are already having difficulties in their relationship could find this as tipping point and I worry about the consequences.
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Had to have a conversation with the missus about how a thermostat works. We have the heating set to 19 downstairs so the house is a comfortable temperature. We came in from the cold and she wanted us to put the heating up because she was cold. Trying to explain that heating the entire house hotter than it needs to be so she can get up to the comfortable temperature of the house is a waste wasn't getting through. She didn't like the suggestion of running on the spot for a bit until she was warm either.

In all seriousness I think it is something that is not understood by a lot of people. If you feel hot when the heating is on then it is on too high but if you are cold when you step into the house at the right temperature then you won't instantly feel hot unless you stand next to the radiator.
 
Just put my CH on last few days, just for a 2 Hr fix, only because it was cold spell and overnight temp went to 6 and day was hovinering at 10.. The way I see it now is gas isn't good value for MY money. If petrol went up five times ( or 3.5 times capped ) then I would go without leisure trips and it would just be essential trips. So I'm trying to use 40% less gas this year, have used none in Sept and Oct and hopefully just small amount in Nov , in order so I can prioritise and use it as normal last 2 weeks of Dec and all Jan. I'll then be back into economise mode for Feb and Mar and hopefully using 40% less will mean that actual cost to me will only be a little more than last years 12 month gas , instead of the 2.5 x
 
its amazing how many people these days think shorts and t shirts are De Rigueur for indoor wear, and have the heating 21 degrees plus, utterly stupid and expensive. I also find sleeping in colder bedroom with warmer bedding is preferable to a warm room, where you wake up with a dry throat.
 
Glover_elbow said:
its amazing how many people these days think shorts and t shirts are De Rigueur for indoor wear, and have the heating 21 degrees plus, utterly stupid and expensive. I also find sleeping in colder bedroom with warmer bedding is preferable to a warm room, where you wake up with a dry throat.
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I think the same as you. If you're wearing more than Y fronts in my house you're over dressed too.
 
Cambsred said:
I just moved into a house with an oil boiler. Its ancient. I have no idea how much it costs to run yet. Had it on a few times. Making me nervous that when it goes on the fuel will just disappear.

We are lucky that we have a fixed mortgage and a few quid set to one side for bills. I'm not sure how people cope who don't as i'm already on edge regarding a couple of potential leaks and a boiler than may need replacing soon.
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Oil boilers are pretty simple bits of kit and tend to have a long life so i wouldn't stress about it. Maybe get someone out to check it over and inspect the tank and pipework but don't rush in to buying a new one. It's a long payback for a few % improved efficiency. Prices are high at the moment but no worse than gas. Only thing is it's not subject to any max tariff restriction like gas. Back at the start of covid we filled our tank for about £170 quid which lasted about 8 months. Now though probably looking at around £550. Compared to gas i'd say it cycles as more or less expensive, but overall it's probably balanced out.
 
If you let the temperature drop al lot it can help mould set in - depends on the house of course e.g. how ventialted itt is etc

Work temperatures have to be 16 degrees minimum for office workers etc.

I fiind 18 to 20 degrees is a comfortbale range if sat around.

I use the nose test - if the end of your nose is cold its a bit too cold.

At present we are spending £114 per month and getting £66 back, leaving £48 per month fo all energy bills. The problem comes when the £66 stops.
 
Funnily enough just had a discussion with my mother about this. I work from home one day a week, usually sitting in my bedroom, and it's nithering today. She said if I want the heating on, I will have to pay extra board and lodge. Screw that, I'm putting another jumper on!
 
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