We have oil-fired central heating in a 1960s bungalow. Despite having decent attic insulation, double glazing and the cavity walls pumped, the house still gets cold fairly quickly when the heating goes off.
Because Mrs. Cricketer is now retired and really feels the cold, last winter we tried an experiment. We changed from having the heating on an average of 6/7 hrs per day to 16 hours per day, though at a much lower temperature.
Pros: house much more comfortable, less prone to damp in the coldest spots (i.e. north-facing ensuite).
Cons: we naturally used more oil; average consumption in previous winters 6/7 hrs per day 1800 litres v. last winter 16 hours per day 2600 litres. Not sure if it's good for the boiler to run at a lower temperature.
Winters vary; it will be interesting to see how this one goes. Has anyone else tried it and have you a comment?
Because Mrs. Cricketer is now retired and really feels the cold, last winter we tried an experiment. We changed from having the heating on an average of 6/7 hrs per day to 16 hours per day, though at a much lower temperature.
Pros: house much more comfortable, less prone to damp in the coldest spots (i.e. north-facing ensuite).
Cons: we naturally used more oil; average consumption in previous winters 6/7 hrs per day 1800 litres v. last winter 16 hours per day 2600 litres. Not sure if it's good for the boiler to run at a lower temperature.
Winters vary; it will be interesting to see how this one goes. Has anyone else tried it and have you a comment?
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