Energy Conservation

[Leon Roskilly]

As the evenings draw in, and the temperature drops, there is an increased temptation to reach for the central-heating controls and fire up the radiators.

 

 

Which got me to thinking.

 

We are asked to turn-off appliances, rather than leave them on stand-by, and to switch off unneeded lights etc in a bid to conserve energy.

 

But it's my understanding that all energy is ultimately converted into heat (you can feel it rising from the back of the TV, and the laptop etc).

 

This heat is being released into the home environment from the various switched-on appliances.

 

 

With room thermostat radiators, the more heat being generated from appliances etc in the room, the less demand for heat from the radiator thermostats, and so the energy 'wasted' by leaving an appliance switched on is fully compensated by less fuel being burned in the central heating system.

 

Have I got that right?

 

Conversely, in high summer, the energy generated by appliances, and turning to heat, puts an increased demand on the air-conditioning (well theoretically, we don't have A/C), so that as well as the energy wasted at source, even more energy is needed for the A/C to get rid of it

[Ken L]

You really need to move somewhere warmer mate.

It's currently 25 degrees in my kitchen as I type and I don't expect to be putting the heating on for at least another month.

[captain cojones]

Sat in a t.shirt here, at 20.16....Going back up to 29c in the shade tomorrow....

[barry luxton]

ahh, having fitted me own central heating more than thirty years ago, it was fitted with the shortest route and least restriction to enable the system to be as economical as can be. This has repaid it's self many times and even though the cost of the supply of fuel increases i still consider i am getting value for money. So what would i rather have, meter watching or a family warm and snug over the cold period. No contest.

 

Interfearing e u legislation now means that the ordinary 60 watt bulb is to be manufactured no more. Yes i agree thats a heat source they have got rid of. In it's place however is these crappy low wattage bulbs that give off crappy flickering light. As long as i can get 60 watt bulbs i will keep on with them. I have found it impossible to go into houses and flats and carry out decent decoration with these new rubbish bulbs, again i have to change them.

 

I note my favorite architects are now getting into heat recovery systems, however it will be many years or perhaps never when it is practicle to retro fit these into normal homes.

 

So carry on carrying on until the interfearing e u can come up with practical alternatives before offering up restrictions. Just like the failed cfp i suppose.

Edited October 9, 2011 by barry luxton

[Ken L]

I've now long since finished cooking (over two hours) and it's still 25.3 degrees here.

Got me wondering how my bills compare.

This is a three bedroom house and last year my gas bill was £182 and the electricity bill came in at £383.

No solar, no heat recovery systems, just a south facing aspect and biggish windows.

[Sportsman]

Estimated total energy costs: 31.00 pounds a year, that's thirty one

 

http://www.potton.co.uk/designs-to-inspire...house-by-potton

[barry luxton]

Estimated total energy costs: 31.00 pounds a year, that's thirty one

 

http://www.potton.co.uk/designs-to-inspire...house-by-potton

 

Although i like kingspan, have they allowed the inhabitants to breath fresh air, and is that included within the 31 quid, and i bet they have allowed for heat recovery on every breath.

Edited October 10, 2011 by barry luxton