wow just been told of our gas price hike

[asciwhite]

Oh well, the gas company we use has just sent a letter saying it's going up by 14.7%. I knew gas was going up but I didn't realise by how much. So, do we get a wood burning Aga installed to run the heating and water? or do we trust thats the only rise in the price for a long while. It does seem high...

[qapmoc]

Well, as the whole worlds energy supplies are now starting to decline to the position where demand outstrips supply for oil and gas is not much better either,
As the world energy markets are now driven totally by demand/supply, then it means that as the supply declines the price will increase, I would suggest that you don't hold your breath for a steady price of energy supplies of oil or gas anytime in the next 30 years, after that there will be basically none left so it won't matter anyway.

[asciwhite]

We really do have a major decision to make before we overhaul this little house then....

[sandbach99]

I am in the same position as you asciwhite, we need a new boiler , but which heating system do I go for?
Toying with the idea of solar power, an advert in the local paper stated that you can heat 50-70% of your hot water needs by this method, and 5% VAT on the panels curtesy of the government, but what else? is wood cheap and plentiful, how do you buy and store it, how much do you need a day? etc. Think I've got a lot of surfing to do.

[carolegif]

Even logs are getting dearer by the bag. If you have any friends pruning trees, ask them for their larger branches. Store them somewhere dry (just overhead cover should do) until they weather and then use them on the fire or in the boiler/Aga. Only thing with a solid fuel Aga is that it has to be on the whole time to heat the water, even in summer when the weather is hot.

I must admit, I am thinking of taking out my gas fire and using solid fuel as I have a proper chimney.

carolegif

[asciwhite]

Hmmm, now you've got me thinking, maybe solar heating for the summer months and wood in the aga for winter... yep, I've got some surfing to do aswell, and then some major persuasion of mr asci whom is going to be difficult on this one!!! not the solar panels but the aga!!!

[asciwhite]

out of interest folks i've found this one...

http://www.clear-skies.org/

[Oneeyedvic]

After I was inspired reading this thread, I had a chat with some very friendly people re solar.

Essentially (in my area of Norfolk) Solar to provide electric for the house is not hugely practical. Firstly you need 10 sq meters of south facing roof space (which I do have). This provides on average 1000 unit per year. The 'average' family uses 3650 units per year - so you still require over a third from nation grid. Cost of installtion would be around �7500 (but grants may be available of up to �2500.)

What does seem to be practical though is solar for hot water use. Whilst this is still expensive (I was quoted �3200), they reckon you should save a minimum of 25% of your heating bill as you won't have your boiler on in summer. Ourr heating bill is approx �1200 per year - so a saving of say �300 per year.

But of course all the savings may get sharper as prices of electric / oil / gas increase!

[asciwhite]

Thank you oneeyedvic, I'm pretty much determined to have our hot water run by solar now and I'm hunting out the experts too. I don't want the boiler anymore, just the Aga/Esse type wood burner for heat and water in winter. I truly think the investment is going to be worth it. We need a new kitchen/bathroom anyway so might aswell get on with it!!! we were also sent info on Ground Source Heat Pumps from one architect.... Take a look at that, I can't compute all this information!!!!

[qapmoc]

Hi asciwhite, sorry to state the future so plainly but if you are aware of the worlds energy situation (scary to say the least at this time) and if you go renewable now while you can still afford it then in 4 or 5 years time when energy prices really go through the roof and carry on climbing you may be able to manage while many people are going to get to the stage of choosing either to heat the house or run the car and 10 years out it may be to choose only heat or car or food.

[asciwhite]

Hello qapmoc, since this post and being given all this lovely info I have now spoken to several architects, our little house is 100+ yrs old and I think it may be in for a shock as will I no doubt with the dust!!! just got to make sure we are definately south facing other wise we may be in a bit of bother....

The ground heat sorce is very interesting too, but I think thats to be incorperated when you build from new, and thats not us....

you most certainly should not be saying sorry for pointing out the envoiroment and the fact that this world will run out of these energys...tis a fact and that is that

Lets go green and put on our green shirts and support the land... the suns energy should be grasped.

Apparently you can now get small wind turbines!!! that'll please the neighbours!!! they already moan about our trees, eucalyptus aswell.... :-)