Combating energy prices

I plan to add insulation to the ceiling of the living room its the most occupied.
Going to take down the current plasterboard and put up 30-40mm insulated plasterboard.
Might even put some between the joists as well.

If there is a way to use the thin celotex and normal plasterboard it'll be significantly cheaper!
 
I wonder if overboarding is an option for me, might look to see if there is anything that can overboard the current ceilings downstairs that can be plastered and are good for insulation, won't be this year though, loft conversion first and really hoping the new roof and insulation has a noticeable impact.

New doors and windows after that hopefully before this winter but more likely during
 
My landlord has insulated all exterior walls with celotex and plasterboard, only 2" stuff I think. Basically whenever a room gets renovated/redecorated that gets done. The house is remarkably warm IMO, compared to my previous couple. It's Victorian so 100+ years old, naturally quite drafty and reasonably unmodernised. But it seems to have benefitted a lot from just new double glazing/windows (wood not PVC so still some air flow) and the insulation.

I dunno why everyone talks about these reasonably risky or complex procedures when you can trade 3" of floorspace for a full layer of insulation.
 
It’s amazing what an increase in energy bills can do to peoples attitudes towards making improvements to their homes. I remember not long ago people were turning there noses up at solar panels and batteries ect, now people are much more open to it.

I do feel sorry for all those that will be hardest hit, but for all those with much more disposable income it’s about time I guess.
 
It’s amazing what an increase in energy bills can do to peoples attitudes towards making improvements to their homes. I remember not long ago people were turning there noses up at solar panels and batteries ect, now people are much more open to it.

I do feel sorry for all those that will be hardest hit, but for all those with much more disposable income it’s about time I guess.
It's amazing how cost-benefit seemingly alludes you.
 
At the end of the day most people seem to be weighing all of this stuff up in terms of money. Which I understand if money is tight but the reason I save energy and plan for sustainable options is because it's "better" for the environment.*

Still, means I don't have any cost saving measures I can take :( We're buying a house so my first personal energy bill in 10 years is gonna be on new tariffs, that'll sting :(

*Leaving the complexities of production resources etc aside...
 
My electric use is already at a minimum. I don't use a dryer, all bulbs are very low wattage LED, I don't leave things switched on like TVs etc. Will just have to see where it goes and probably spend less on kebabs.
 
My electric use is already at a minimum. I don't use a dryer, all bulbs are very low wattage LED, I don't leave things switched on like TVs etc. Will just have to see where it goes and probably spend less on kebabs.
That's my take as well, less takeaways, less extravagant holidays, less convenience driving, drive a bit slower to and from work. I think there is plenty that can be done to negate any rises for now.
 
The 2020's are shaping up to be great. Pandemic, war and now likely heading into a recession.
I know first World problems suck. Could be worse you could be in Afghanistan or Yemen right now but luckily we’ve only got to pay a bit more on electric, petrol and bread.
 
I know first World problems suck. Could be worse you could be in Afghanistan or Yemen right now but luckily we’ve only got to pay a bit more on electric, petrol and bread.

That's a bit harsh; choosing between heating and eating isn't in the first world problems bro category, IMO.
 
That's my take as well, less takeaways, less extravagant holidays, less convenience driving, drive a bit slower to and from work. I think there is plenty that can be done to negate any rises for now.

My £1000/year pay rise will just go on bills. Council Tax up and diesel up too.
 
My £1000/year pay rise will just go on bills. Council Tax up and diesel up too.
Yeah I got a higher than expected pay rise so that helped a lot.
From the start of Covid they also let us all work flexible start times so I work 06:30 to 14:30 made a noticeable difference in fuel usage almost never getting stuck in traffic and cut travel times in half.
It's amazing how lots of little things soon add up.
 
I know first World problems suck. Could be worse you could be in Afghanistan or Yemen right now but luckily we’ve only got to pay a bit more on electric, petrol and bread.

Oh sod off with the first world problems spiel.

Yes many many people are worse off and horrible things are happening all around the world (particularly with what Russia is doing to Ukraine) but that doesn't mean you get to belittle problems in this country. For many these cost of living increases are going to be the difference between just about managing to falling in debt. Choosing between eating and heating isn't a Labour tagline, it will be the reality for those struggling this Winter and fuel poverty does kill.

The government needs to step up here and if they are complacent I think they will shocked at the anger coming towards them as these costs sink in.
 
Oh sod off with the first world problems spiel.

Yes many many people are worse off and horrible things are happening all around the world (particularly with what Russia is doing to Ukraine) but that doesn't mean you get to belittle problems in this country. For many these cost of living increases are going to be the difference between just about managing to falling in debt. Choosing between eating and heating isn't a Labour tagline, it will be the reality for those struggling this Winter and fuel poverty does kill.

The government needs to step up here and if they are complacent I think they will shocked at the anger coming towards them as these costs sink in.
Oh absolutely people are going to struggle and I’m not belittling anyone I know what it’s like to have little, I’ve lived on a council estate all my life and been raised by a single parent for parts of that. I’m far from well off but the little that I do have is mine and I live well within my means.

Sometimes though a little perspective is in order. Good luck going to the government with your cap in hand. None of these problems are ever likely to worry them as they can just claim most of it and there duck ponds, back on expenses.
 
My landlord has insulated all exterior walls with celotex and plasterboard, only 2" stuff I think. Basically whenever a room gets renovated/redecorated that gets done. The house is remarkably warm IMO, compared to my previous couple. It's Victorian so 100+ years old, naturally quite drafty and reasonably unmodernised. But it seems to have benefitted a lot from just new double glazing/windows (wood not PVC so still some air flow) and the insulation.

I dunno why everyone talks about these reasonably risky or complex procedures when you can trade 3" of floorspace for a full layer of insulation.

can you celotex Victorian external walls? My house was built 1890 with original plaster in most places and no cavity. Surveyor said it was a big no to add any fixed board insulation as it will stop the walls breathing and cause damp problems.
 
That's a bit harsh; choosing between heating and eating isn't in the first world problems bro category, IMO.
No sorry it wasn’t meant to be harsh but let me clarify. We live in England and we live in pretty decent accommodation relatively speaking. Presumably we’re not talking about the homeless? Who actually legitimately have problems that very few seem to worry about on a day to day.

While England is not exactly the Mediterranean it’s not the Artic circle either. We don’t really have it that bad Even without heating. Food is a bigger issue and no one should be going hungry or homeless in a prosperous nation such as our own. Inequality is nothing new but appears to be getting worse. Good luck solving that conundrum.
 
can you celotex Victorian external walls? My house was built 1890 with original plaster in most places and no cavity. Surveyor said it was a big no to add any fixed board insulation as it will stop the walls breathing and cause damp problems.
The jury's out on that one - the builders who work on my house are not the most conscientious so maybe it's going to cause problems long term.

I always thought this house was quite damp, but since getting a few hygrometers it seems it's 45-55% RH in the warmer upstairs bits at least.

There are 3 or 4 places we've got mild water staining in the plaster where I've drilled into it, but it's not actively damp. Been here 10 years but I can't comment about what's behind the plaster, you make a good point.
 
Choosing between heating and eating is not a First World problem...

A First World problem would be not knowing what to have for your dinner that night as opposed to not knowing IF you can afford to have dinner that night.
 
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