Saturday 29 June 2024

Our ideal mini power station of a home

The inclusion, below, of what I've written about 28 Hunnington Cres is so important to me and why, ideally, I would like it to remain within the Weller/Willson family - for one of the grandchildren, perhaps.  But whoever does live in it, I don't want the next occupants, after mum and I, to revert back to how the house was.  Jonathan has said, and I agree, that gas has to go for everyone one day.  Therefore, the two gas heaters must eventually be taken out.  They have served us well, are still working but both are now inefficient.  It is even much more comfortable to have the infra-red heaters in front of you or even on the settee, as I like to have.  They are slower at heating the room, so you do have to dress accordingly but, that has never been a problem for those of us who so love the outdoors!  We all have to tread more lightly on the planet.  Upstairs living during the daytime is very important for maximum warmth, minimum bills and lowest impact.

ON LIVING SIMPLY TO SIMPLY LIVE!

We two frugal fossil fueled OAPs finished our transition to low impact living on the 30 November 2023 when the gas meter was removed for free by our energy provider, Octopus.  From then on monthly bills inclu VAT were:- Dec £50, Jan £42, Feb £22, March £28, April £23, May £24 and, £21 on 21 June.  Averages out at £30/mth when 50% of that is standing charge (50p/day).

OUR MINI POWER STATION of a home in Halesowen:
1967/68 three storey, 3 bedroom, mid-terrace, townhouse.
6.24 kWp east/west, solar array fitted Nov 2013 (difficult to keep clean, however on high roof!)
14.40 kWh batteries in garage
Infra-red portable heater panels that are so flexible and are slim and white, that we love.  You sit in front of them.
Induction electric cooker
10/12 kWh instant electric water heater behind shower on top floor does all hot taps, too.
3 kWh unit for hand washing in downstairs toilet.
Sleep on the ground floor because you don't need any heat when in bed.
Live above bedrooms, where it is naturally warmer.
Go for a smart meter and batteries BEFORE solar panels to then go on a tariff that uses cheaper night time electricity stored in the battery.  You then use the elecy from the battery during the coming day.
Solar is very necessary, however, to go off grid as much as you possibly can.  Saves on big power stations and pylons!
Has anyone tried a wind turbine on the roof?  Or, seen one?

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