SteamyTea

Bit about radiators and temperature here. I think most radiator output is at Delta 50. https://www.clyderadiators.co.uk/delta-t-conversion

Surely black will absorb more of the spectrum than a single, non black, colour. There are additives to make plastics more UV resistant.

I went through the Dartford Tunnel on Sunday, even after over 55 years of using it, I am amazed that Radio 4 is uninterrupted.

Such a shining wit.

Garald's girlfriend may be French. Have you never wondered why they make perfume. "home in three days, don't wash" Napoleon

Depends how wide the books are.

They are having lunch.

I am with her on that. Looks like my French relatives place. Have you thought of double depth sliding bookshelves, get at least 50‰ more area. Slide them across the windows and you get curtains. I have a problem with books. If I have a shelf, I fill them. Reality is that my Kindle is my main reading devise, so only really need to keep my favourite, sentimental value, ones. I have a copy of Earth from the Air. It is terrific. But not opened it in 15 years.

Hasn't your government (well the French one) limited the price of domestic energy at a low level? They need to keep their investment of EDF alive somehow. The French will riot if a kWh costs more than a small glass of wine. Also not sure how the PV industry works over there. I think you still have quite small domestic connections, which could limit array size.

You could look at plinth heaters (small, fan assisted radiators) for some areas, possibly kitchen, bathroom and hall ways. If, depending on your layout, those areas are warmed in a controlled manner, you may be able to reduce the area/size of some other radiators. Putting radiators under windows is a rather old fashion idea. Goes back to when windows leaked air and energy. More normal to put them into internal walls now. Radiators can be boxed in, though there is usually a hit in their performance. As you have a piano, and like to tinkle the ivories, how are you going to control temperature and humidity in the music room. Our old family piano (from 1936) did not survive the introduction of central heating.

Can we just give Poles water, instead of money, to build our houses properly. BREXIT must be working.

Non performa

Similar to mine. This is for all of September so far.

General terms just to calculate he inputs and outputs.

Came in from the North East. So that is everywhere in the UK. Wonder if the seagulls have been coughing like a Geordie tart on a Saturday night out after a new boat has come into Tyneside.

I am parked up at Penzance prom. There are no birds here at all, not one. Even the local swans have gone. Seems bird flu has killed them all.

Secondary glazed my double glazing last week. Improved the air leakage and reduced sound from outside. Had to leave two windows that can be easily opened to allow fresh air in, and a quick escape in case of fire. Shall post up more on a new thread when I have finished part two. I had to put up with up to 11 others, going through puberty, in a small dormitory. People wonder why I live alone.

You were lucky. We had liquid nitrogen instead of hot tea for breakfast at my boarding school. Was warmer than the east wind in Kent, but only slightly.

@Archer First thing to do is create a thermal model of the place. @DamonHD and myself both have older timber frame places. We have taken slightly different routes in upgrading the thermal properties of them. Damon has gone all high tech and I have just stopped the air leaking out. Both have made a huge difference.

Good, speed up where we have to go. Gas was stupidly cheap wasn't it. Even at 10.5p/kWh it is cheap. A little more than 100th of the minimum hourly wage. Work for 60 seconds and you have paid for your morning shower.

Put the film Shackleton on, show them how lucky they are.

Think I heard they are taking the 'green taxes off. A relatively small saving, around 200 quid a year. Not sure what is happening to standing charges, they have, so far, been exempt, but may change.

Poundstretchers thermals for sale. They work a treat. Shall read your blog later and see what is missing.

No experience with either, I have parquet flooring (cheap stuff as well). But I know that the bamboo chopping board I have has lasted longer than my proper wooden one. It still lays flat. It is not so nice to use though. I have no idea what timber my old chapping board is made from, but it is softer and quieter to use, nicer to touch and is generally better, except it warped badly.

My experience of using French workers is small. Staying at a mates place near Bayeux, the telecoms man came around to fix the phone line. Was there at 7AM, sorted it in a few minutes, then had a biere with Maurice (the owner). They chatted for about 2 hours and went of off his next job. Maybe things have changed in 35 years. It was all very civilised.