Time to switch the heating on again?

[WendyS]

Anybody switched their central heating on yet?
And if you haven't, any tips for keeping warm and delaying the evil moment? We always try and delay switching it on as long as possible as psychologically it seems to be accepting that winter has arrived and that is such a depressing thought !

[elpea]

I've accepted it.... central heating isn't on yet but the big jumpers are, as are thick socks!! And I made a huge pot of lentil soup last night - the first pot of soup since February. I get sad every year, so this year I'm trying to embrace the season and be positive about it or I won't get out of bed at all. Roll on winter, I'm ready for ya!!

[purplehair]

I cant switch mine on til the council come and reattach my radiator which fell off the wall 3 weeks ago! I now keep 2 blankets in the cupboard downstairs to put round me in the evening when its cold! Also a couple of brandys can warm you up, or a nice hot casserole!

[spudqueen]

No, not switched the central heating on yet at all. Just wearing extra clothes, though at the moment I'm wearing cropped jeans and a t-shirt, though I might just have to put a cardi on later on!

[mimififi]

no heating for me either, I'm frankly too warm though have worn a cardi from time to time in the last few weeks. I'm still in the summer wardrobe, tho probably getting the winter clothes out of storage this week. Ii still only have the summer duvet on the bed too.

It is weird though isn't? Only 4 weeks till the clocks go back and still no sign of any actual coldness. I guess it'll hit hard and fast and we won't be prepared at all.

i have made a mental note though to have the boiler serviced, just in case.

[sixpence]

We switched ours on yesterday morning just to see if everything was working OK and we were soon too hot. So it's off again now!

[gasman]

Ahhhhh..... The winter months . Such a busy & profitable time for a Gasman. Is YOUR heating ready for another winter ???

[KARL]

This must seem very odd to all on this thread: We never switch ours off unless we are to be away for several weeks during the summer and only turn the thermostat down if away for shorter periods at any time. Otherwise the thermostat stays at between 18 and 21degrees (night or day respectively). Before anyone throws a fit over the cost, it is about �600 a year at current prices for a house that is just over 150 square metres in area with high ceilings. The difference is that it is well insulated and draughtproofed - in the colder half of Britain. Well worth it because we never know what the outside temperature is until we either go out or read the outside thermometer. We know others who know in their closed house. The heating starts up and goes off by itself - unless it breaks down at which point we are quick to sort it. We do not fear serious psychological or physical consequences of being comfortable. We do not fear the change of season either.

[Snowy Owl]

We`ve got night storage heaters which, at this time of year and in the spring, are a bit awkward as they are either on or off and take a while to heat up initially. However, in spite of dire warnings about how expensive they would be, we are VERY satisfied with their overall performance and cost.

We are lucky that we have a gas fire in the lounge as well, and that`s what usually ends up going on for a while when the evenings get chilly. Keeping the windows and doors closed, curtains pulled, and putting on another layer of clothing helps. I have to think back to my childhood when we didn`t have central heating of any sort...but we did have an open fireplace in EVERY room, including the bedrooms!

[shaneystar2]

No heating on as yet and I try and delay it as long as possible.
It is still quite warm here in Norfolk during the day and we have had a fabulous September apart from a couple of days of monsoon conditions and flooding which is another story.
I hate central heating ..it dries your hair and skin,and makes me feel headachy and bunged up most of the time.It is chilly in the mornings now and in the evenings so I am wearing the best investment I have ever made which is one of those knee length thick knitted cardigans.When it does go we only have it on for a couple of hours in the morning and then again in the evening .I would rather keep moving and wrap up warm than sit in the fug all day.It would have to be Arctic to persuade me to have it on constantly.Luckily we have an open fire which is far nicer so we light that most evenings in the winter and turn the radiator in that room off.
I am a great believer in hot water bottles,thick socks,whisky,porridge and layers of clothing !

[cameo]

I admit it - put the heating on for the first time tonight.

My husband has a disability which is affected by the damp and cold so i'm afraid it had to go on.

Mind you i don't mind too much as i was getting a bit chilly myself!!

[Postdog]

I've had mine one for an hour or so over a couple of nights, but that has mainly been because a cold draught has blown thru the house when I have let the dogs out (windows still open you see).

[babscartland]

yep mines been on for the first time tonight and itsall in working order. bit gutted really because i fancy the local plumber and was hoping to call him out, no such luck.

[Robinia]

no, I just reduce my hrt & it's like an island in the sun every night..... ;o)

[babscartland]

ha ha - rob

[janetsflower]

Ours hasn't been switched on yet but the real fire has been lit for a few days now so the living room is toasty and there are thick duvets on the beds!!

[lilacben]

Yes turned mine on on sunday evening for an hour and again last night. Today I have it on , very low, and have just put electric blanket on the bed. I do have thyroid problems so I blame that. Brenda x

[ianess]

Get a programmable room-stat from your local B&Q, set it to the times and temperatures that you want, then just sit back and forget about it.
We've used a Drayton Digistat 3 along with thermostatic radiator valves for five years with no problems, and no excessively high fuel bills [so far].