This week I finally got the paperwork through confirming that the water meter I asked for has been installed. What made the most interesting reading is that I was going to have to pay GBP424 of water rates. The estimate from Thames Water is that I will have to pay GBP228 now that it is metered. There was no charge for the water meter itself, nor for it's installation; so if I use water as they predict, I'm GBP196 better off every year, which more than covers the extra cost of the green electricity.
Those of us who are environmentally conscious are sometimes labelled unrealistic, and sometimes labelled smug. This step proves that it is realistic to save water, carbon and money at the same time. As to smug - well, maybe a bit. But don't I have a right?
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Chimney balloons
Wow - where did February go?
The latest item to assist with energy efficiency is a chimney balloon. I got mine from http://www.chimney-balloon.co.uk. The chimney balloon looks like the inside of a winebox, with the nozzle in the centre. You put it up the chimney and then inflate it. It blocks the chimney, and stops the warm air you've paid for - well, going up the chimney.
If you aren't sure you need one, try putting your hand near the chimney and feel the air moving.
The cost is between £20 and £25. I strongly recommend buying the hose (another £2.50) which attaches to the nozzle and stops you having to put your head up the chimney.
It was easy to install (less than a minute), and takes about the same to remove if you want a real fire. It also comes with a warning label, which is red and says 'Remember to remove the chimney balloon'. the only thing I'd ask the makers to add is a string which allows you to attach this small label to the balloon itself; if you leave it on the mantelpiece, you might forget.
The latest item to assist with energy efficiency is a chimney balloon. I got mine from http://www.chimney-balloon.co.uk. The chimney balloon looks like the inside of a winebox, with the nozzle in the centre. You put it up the chimney and then inflate it. It blocks the chimney, and stops the warm air you've paid for - well, going up the chimney.
If you aren't sure you need one, try putting your hand near the chimney and feel the air moving.
The cost is between £20 and £25. I strongly recommend buying the hose (another £2.50) which attaches to the nozzle and stops you having to put your head up the chimney.
It was easy to install (less than a minute), and takes about the same to remove if you want a real fire. It also comes with a warning label, which is red and says 'Remember to remove the chimney balloon'. the only thing I'd ask the makers to add is a string which allows you to attach this small label to the balloon itself; if you leave it on the mantelpiece, you might forget.
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