Green Building Forum - Neighbours Energy Usage Sun, 19 Apr 2026 03:30:31 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161014#Comment_161014 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161014#Comment_161014 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:17:54 +0000 SteamyTea The occupancy is as follows:
House A (the end of terrace one), two adults, 1 small child, grandparents often do daycare.
House B (mine) usually occupied all day, one disabled person and me, tight with the heating.
House C Two adults, both working, one only mornings

Last 24 hours energy use:

House A 55 kWh
House B 11 kWh
House C 22 kWh

I suspect that A and B have their heating on.]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161019#Comment_161019 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161019#Comment_161019 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:56:36 +0000 jamesingram Be interesting to see how energy efficient properties such as the SSE test project in Slough
( Greenwatts way, I think) perform with different occupants , I'll see if there's any info published on tinternet.

http://www.ssezerocarbonhomes.com/]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161022#Comment_161022 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161022#Comment_161022 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:27:35 +0000 Mikel
However, I do record our electricity consumption twice a day, around 8am and 5pm in Winter and about 7-8pm in summer. We have oiled-fired central heating, which is on most evenings now. There are two of us at home all day and we have a 4 bed bungalow.

Average daily (24hr) consumption of electricity:

Summer (May-Sept 2011) 8.6kwh
Winter (Oct-Mar 2011/2) 11.6kwh (3.84kw PV installed 4/10/2011)
Summer (Apr-Sept 2012) 4.6kwh (note the drop in consumption from previous summer. The PV is doing something)
Winter (Oct- to date) 9.2kwh

Mike]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161025#Comment_161025 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161025#Comment_161025 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:44:52 +0000 HalcyonRichard I am looking after someones mid terrace house while they are in hospital(plus two dogs and five chickens). I did start to get worried with a few frosty nights and his bathroom being built on the back - he has no central heating. But the house does not feel cold. I assume his neighbours houses are keeping it warm with the two great hunking party walls acting as low temperature emmitters. I wonder how much heat he "benefits" from if his room temperature is a few degrees lower than his neighbours :bigsmile:

Hi Steamy looks like you have good neighbours subsidising you haeting costs:wink:

Richard]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161026#Comment_161026 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161026#Comment_161026 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:00:07 +0000 SteamyTea I may have to turn my heating on soon though, it is getting a bit silly. Trouble is the main room I use is easy to heat with a fan heater/fridge and the cooker, the rest of the house is chilly.
I shall try and keep an eye on what my neighbours use, may even ask them. Trouble is if they say no, and then they catch me at it.]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161027#Comment_161027 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161027#Comment_161027 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:02:00 +0000 snyggapa
The solution, oddly enough, was calibrating the thermostat down a couple of degrees so what showed as 21 was really 19 (although I have no idea of accuracy, it could have been 20 in reality) . this was a digital stat and it actually had a calibration menu :)

The point being the need to set the stat to 21 was behavioral rather than based upon need for that temperature...]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161028#Comment_161028 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161028#Comment_161028 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:32:44 +0000 SteamyTea Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161045#Comment_161045 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161045#Comment_161045 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 18:40:53 +0000 skyewright Posted By: SteamyTeaTrouble is now it is getting towards the technological fixes as I have done the easy stuff, but have saved around 50% in total.
I thought we'd probably just about run out of savings at around 7.5kWh/day but with the latest change (1 big and fast but efficient computer using virtual machines doing the jobs of 3 older slower & less efficient ones) we managed to average a usage (not import) of less than 6kWh per day for the first time last month.
That's down from 12-13kWh/day back in 2008-9.
2 adults, at home most of the time.
N.B. excluding heating, of course...

PS. The downside of the computer change is that without the saved watts I'm definitely going to need a heater on more often in my office this winter...

Already got the thick socks & fibrepile. :bigsmile:]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161063#Comment_161063 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161063#Comment_161063 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:38:16 +0000 Mikel
Cooking requires a change from using the oven to the hob or the slow cooker as it is getting too cold for salads.

We have changed about about 40 50w halogens for 4w LEDs but we are still left with the living room lit by 33 10/20w G4 bulbs. I haven't seen any decent living room LED lighting, at least, not down here in Cornwall.

We are also exploring changing our heating system from oil but that will be expensive.

I really don't see how many householders will be able to modify their houses and replace their electrical goods with low energy options without spending a significant amount of capital.]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161069#Comment_161069 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161069#Comment_161069 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 21:41:15 +0000 SteamyTea Posted By: skyewrightvirtual machines doing the jobs of 3 older slower & less efficient onesWish I had thought of thatm a quarter of my use is the PCs. Still Got a lad working on the RPi so that will help, may get it back son for testing as it is going out as part of my ResM project.

Posted By: Mikeltumble dryer
Posted By: MikelNot enough dry and breezy days
Posted By: Mikeldown here in Cornwall
I manage it, but usually in to go out and get it when it rains. Raining now.

Posted By: MikelWe have changed about about 40 50w halogens for 4w LEDs
I decided not to go down this route, but have changed from 20W, to 11W and now to 8W CFL and really do not have a problem, and I have very strange eyesight since my cataracts were drilled out and replaced with shiny bits of plastic without any UV filtering. I actually find the blueness of some LED quite painful. I changed the lodgers 11W to an 8W last week and she has not said anything, 2 quid each from MacSalvers.

Posted By: MikelI really don't see how many householders will be able to modify their houses and replace their electrical goods with low energy options without spending a significant amount of capital.
Think that is where I am now, could save a tiny bit on the fridge, not sure about the washing machine, 30 kg of water heated to 40°C is the same with any machine. ST is my best option for water heating, that would save quite a bit, but not really worth the expense on this house at the moment as I want to move.]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161070#Comment_161070 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161070#Comment_161070 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 22:00:02 +0000 Triassic Posted By: SteamyTeaI still struggle with my lodgers behaviour, but she is a special case (only a third of her brain works). Trouble is now it is getting towards the technological fixes as I have done the easy stuff, but have saved around 50% in total.

What exactly are you up to with her brain?]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161072#Comment_161072 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161072#Comment_161072 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 22:05:03 +0000 SteamyTea
I keep it in a jar in the fridge until she is going to be sensible and grown-up about it. Better get a back-up generator. :cool:

It is tricky when dealing with disabled people, think we have done this elsewhere. I can understand that with one side paralysed that showering is a bit hard, but not 'till all the hot water has gone' hard.:devil:]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161077#Comment_161077 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161077#Comment_161077 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 23:27:44 +0000 borpin Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161078#Comment_161078 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161078#Comment_161078 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:50:50 +0000 SteamyTea Thing is for us to change to gas would cost several thousand pounds each just for connection, then several thousand pounds for central heating/hot water systems to be fitted. And all that for a saving of about 15p a day, just does not make sense but does mean that we are at the mercy of the electricity companies.
I will probably not be reading their meters till next week now, unless everyone goes out :wink:]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161100#Comment_161100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=161100#Comment_161100 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 14:03:40 +0000 rhamdu
The word 'ration' makes you think of wartime, hardship, disaster. If they had said 'manage' it would not have been much of a headline. And I think that's all they are really saying.

In my humble opinion most households still don't manage their energy use nearly as well as they should.

And what about the 1 household in 10 which, we can only assume, makes no attempt to manage energy consumption at all?]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=162058#Comment_162058 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=162058#Comment_162058 Fri, 23 Nov 2012 09:37:53 +0000 SteamyTea
So

House A 452 (end terrace, 2 adults, 1 small child)
House B 192 (mid terrace, 2 adults)
House C 276 (mid terrace, 2 adults)

The day/night breakdowns is:

House A 149(day) 303(night)
House B 58 (day) 134(night)
House C 108 (day) 169 (night)

So our average usage is 306.6 or 21.9 kWh.day^-1
Average day usage is 105 or 7.5 kWh.day^-1
Average night usage 202 or 14.4 kWh.day^-1

So looks like House C does not have their heating on, or they have an electric shower as we are similar on the night rate.
House A has heating on and I have never seen them use a washing line, so probably using a tumble dryer a lot.

As an aside, my Current Cost meter (with a couple of estimates in there) says I have used 177 kWh over the same period, so about 8% down on my real usage. May check my voltage over the next few days and see if it is high or low compared to the set point of 230V.]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163358#Comment_163358 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163358#Comment_163358 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 19:58:34 +0000 SteamyTea Seems mine is creeping up a bit. Better keep an eye on that:

Pictures of what is going on in my street.]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163369#Comment_163369 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163369#Comment_163369 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 07:54:38 +0000 Triassic Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163370#Comment_163370 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163370#Comment_163370 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 07:56:31 +0000 SteamyTea More concerned why mine is creeping up though.]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163374#Comment_163374 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163374#Comment_163374 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:45:07 +0000 RobinB Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163377#Comment_163377 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163377#Comment_163377 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:32:32 +0000 SteamyTea Most likely is getting complacent (or my neighbours in House C have been away, not seen them much).]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163378#Comment_163378 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163378#Comment_163378 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:41:56 +0000 HalcyonRichard Do you use storerage heaters on economy 7 ? If you do then the heater is "filled up" one night and used the next day. If you have a cold day, then that night maybe a full charge is required. On a warmer day if you only use half the stored heat on that night you would only need to store half the amount of energy/heat. So overall the electricity used would approximately follow the outside temperature variations.

Richard]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163380#Comment_163380 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163380#Comment_163380 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:00:18 +0000 SteamyTea I was hoping that was the case, but seems it is not so. Partly because the heater is set on a thermostat (though not sure how effective it is), partly because it has been 'de-rated', I took two elements out and mainly I think because when it is warmer outside my house just gets warmer inside.
I have very detailed usage data that I will unpick sometime soon, but is could be that we have been using more hot water and the header tank is in the loft, so that will be colder than in the autumn.
Unpicking what is happening is the tricky bit but the interesting bit.:bigsmile:]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163385#Comment_163385 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163385#Comment_163385 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:37:00 +0000 Seret Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163393#Comment_163393 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163393#Comment_163393 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:04:13 +0000 SteamyTea I know that some weeks I run the washing machine more than others. Last week was a heavy week, so this week will be a light week. Actually not me, my lodger, she seems to work on a ten day cycle (when I remind her a couple of times). At about 1.25 kWh a load it can make a difference. Also been in typing a lot, so had the fan heater on more than usual.
Think this week I am going to be in a lot as just been mugged for £170 by the Optician, and I have 20/35 vision, if there is such a thing.]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163408#Comment_163408 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163408#Comment_163408 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:20:22 +0000 skyewright Posted By: SteamyTeaHi Richard
Partly because the heater is set on a thermostat (though not sure how effective it is),
I think it's pretty effective at limiting the temperature inside the casing, which is what its job is.


partly because it has been 'de-rated', I took two elements out

Fair enough. That will make it more likely that it needs to be on throughout the charge cycle (as it's trying to warm 3 times the intended mass (I'm assuming there were 3 element to start with).

and mainly I think because when it is warmer outside my house just gets warmer inside.

But what happens when it goes from cold to colder?]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163419#Comment_163419 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=163419#Comment_163419 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:04:28 +0000 SteamyTea Posted By: skyewrightI think it's pretty effective at limiting the temperature inside the casing, which is what its job is.Yes it does seem to do that, along with the de-rating.

Posted By: skyewright(I'm assuming there were 3 element to start with)
4, 750W elements, now two in the middle. In the past the air used to exit at over 85°C (fried an iButton checking it), seems closer to 70°C now, but not actually checked it. Something to do.

Posted By: skyewrightBut what happens when it goes from cold to colder?
This is Cornwall, hardly happens (unless you read the Telegraph about Shelterbox: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/telegraphchristmasappeal/9743022/Telegraph-Christmas-Charity-Appeal-Undercover-with-the-ShelterBox-mercy-missionaries.html), I just turn a fan heater on for longer.

I only use the one storage heater but 'live' in the kitchen where I use a fan heater when needed. Often not really needed, but when you sit and type for 4 hours without moving you get chilly even when it is 22°C, well I do)]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=192275#Comment_192275 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=192275#Comment_192275 Thu, 26 Dec 2013 11:26:05 +0000 SteamyTea
House A has used a total of 3624 kWh, 1581 kWh on the day rate and 2043 kWh on the night rate, a 44/56 split
House B has used a total of 2048 kWh, 573 kWh on the day rate and 1475 kWh on the night rate, a 28/72 split
House C has used a total of 2609 kWh, 1564 kWh on the day rate and 1045 kWh on the night rate, a 60/40 split

In cash terms that works out as (at 0.17 and 0.65 p/kWh unit price only):
House A £400
House B £193
House C £334

Using an overall p/kWh figure it is this:
House A 11p/kWH
House B 9.4 p/kWh
House C 12.8 p/kWh

Just as a reminder:
House A is the end of terrace (so greater heat loss), 1 small child, two adults, one working.
House B (me), 2 adults, work from home.
House C, 2 adults, both working, one in all afternoon]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=193102#Comment_193102 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=193102#Comment_193102 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:34:43 +0000 SteamyTea
House A has used a total of 478 kWh, split 161 kWh (day) and 317 kWh (night)
House B has used a total of 293 kWh, split 46 kWh (day) and 247 kWh (night)
House C has used a total of 346 kWh, Split 135 kWh (day) and 211 kWh (night)

So that is a mean daily usage of:
House A, 34 kWh
House B, 21 kWh
House C, 25 kWh

Close to my goal of not using more than 20 kWh/day]]> Neighbours Energy Usage https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=199081#Comment_199081 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794&Focus=199081#Comment_199081 Fri, 28 Mar 2014 10:44:59 +0000 SteamyTea

House A has used a total of 967 kWh, split 324 kWh (day) and 633 kWh (night)
House B has used a total of 663 kWh, split 180 kWh (day) and 483 kWh (night)
House C has used a total of 683 kWh, Split 299 kWh (day) and 384 kWh (night)

So that is a mean daily usage of:
House A, 27 kWh
House B, 18 kWh
House C, 19 kWh

So managed my goal of being under 20 kWh/day during the coldest time of year. And has one of my neighbours.]]>