J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

I currently pay 50 quid a month for Electricity on Direct Debit, have decided to try and cut the consumption somewhat by going over to Energy saving bulbs and some other measures, what are your experiences, I realise lights pale into insignificance compared to the main appliances but I cant do much about those.

Just wondering if my maths is correct, we have a bulb left on in the bathroom, all night every night for the kids in case they need a pee.

Its a 60 watt bulb and its on about 12 hours out of every 24, sometimes all the time hence why I have to replace it every few weeks, have replaced it with a 9 watt Energy saver, equivalent to a 40 watt normal but bright enough to pee by and there is another bulb in there anyway if more light is needed, so

12 * 60 (watts) = 720 (watts) * 365 days = 262.8 Kwh * 5.4 pence per kwh + 5% VAT = 14.90

v

12 * 9 (watts) = 108 (watts) * 365 days = 39.42 Kwh * 5.4 pence per kwh + 5% VAT = 2.23

Therefore the energy saving bulb saves 12.67 ( if my maths is correct), not allowing for the bulb purchase (of either type) or cracked toilet seats from 16 stone bloke changing the bulb stood on it..........

As you can imagine, the nights fly by in our house !

Adrian F

Dont think the energy consumption actual matches the power rating on energy saving lamps as there are losses involved in the way it works as a rule of thumb for Flourscent tubes at college electricians are taught to multiple the wattage of the tube by 1.8 though obvioulsy some fittingas are more efficient than others.

BOB.T

I've no idea but thanks, the above made me laugh and I now feel much better about paying 40 quid a month for my electric and gas!

I'm with Powergen btw

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

40 QUID A MONTH !

I pay 100 for both, Council Tax is 171

BOB.T

To be fair there's only two of us here in a small house, we do have an energy saving bulb in the bathroom though

De Warrenne

your maths is spot on - although you will have to buy the new bulbs, which at about a fiver each does delay the real savings.

loft insulation (DIY) is a p**s easy way of cutting your gas bill (if you have a loft)

paulwrxboro

Try the £1 shop and these bulbs have a nine year life span

De Warrenne

Mate, do powergen give you interest on all the money you're saving with them?, If not you might want to reduce your direct debit a bit.

BOB.T

Yeah, I wondered about that, I guess it'll balance out though what with winter coming, especially now there's a female in the house...they've just put their prices up too....

druddle

I pay 40 quid a month with Scottish Power. Its an online only account thru their website - www.scottishpower.co.uk. Just taken it out this month.

Dracoro

Are there any 'glow in the dark' things that could be used that would emit enough light for the kids to find the bathroom?

Or buy them a small flashlight and let them make their own way there

Better still, a bucket by their beds would be even cheaper. Failing that, there's the outside window