Is there a cheaper alternative?

Question

we are living in a flat which has a storage heater, our monthly electric bill is £133 we are paying off from last winter, we have not had our heaters on since february.

Is there a cheaper alternative than using them during the winter. i really cant afford £133 per month.

Answer 1

Hi check this website and see if you can find a cheaper supplier

http://www.uswitch.com/Energy/Index.aspx...

Answer 2

I don't think you will save muich on other forms of electric heating as they will be on when you need them in the day, at peak prices.  Storage heaters use off peak electricity.  CHeck you have a dual range meter by calling your supplier and find out the cheap and peak rates you are paying now.  Go to "Switch with Which" (www.uSwitch.com/Switch) and see if there is a cheaper supplier.  You are perfectly OK to change suppliers on a rented property.

The calor gas will not be as cheap as mains gas, and the heater generate a fair bit of water vapour, which will probably lead to condensation problems.  

What you really need to do is keep more of your expensive heat inside the flat.  If the wondows are drafty, you can buy all sorts of foam strip draught excluders at your diy store.  Open the window and stich them down the edge to close the gaps.  If the windows are notdouble glazed, you can get a kit of double sided tape and clear film to fit inside the glass.  You heat it with a hair drier and it goes taught and clear.  About £5 per window, but lasts the winter through, and it will instantly feel warmer.

If you are in the top flat and you can get into the attic, see if there is any insulation.  You may be able to get a grant for insulation from the local authority.  Ask at your town hall.

If you are not in the top, you can't do anything about losses upwards.  Check there are not draughts under the doors, and if you have bare floorboards, through them too.  If you have draughts under the doors, fit an excluder or just have a rolled up blanket that you put agains the door when it is shut.  You can close up gaps between boards with papier mache stained to match the wood.

Finally instead of heating the whole flat to a warm temperature, heat the just living area and have the rest cooler.  Close the door and keep the heat in.  Wear an extra layer of clothes too.  It is a lot cheaper to do than keeping the flat at T-shirt temperature.  Eat warming foods.  Porridge for breakfast, stews and baked potatoes for dinner.

Answer 3

Use Calor Gas heaters (small or larger) at least you are pay as you go.  Or get a couple of Dimplex Coldmaster 500's - they are great for taking the chill off and are economical plugins (I have one in my room). (look them up online).

Also, I would complain about your bills that is ridiculous and the Landlord has the meter on high.

Lastly - MOVE!

Answer 4

thats awful get some oil filled radiators that you just plug in,and get on a budget plan for the year where you pay same amount through the year to help cover the winter bills... or if you can really afford it get gas central heating alot cheaper

i have gas central heating, 7 radiators and mine was only £360 for the whole year and thats running my hot wate too

really suggest getting oil filled rads then alot cheaper and get on you switch to find the cheapest supplier