The energy crisis may be a chance for alternative thinking (How turning the heat off this winter could damage your health, 1 September). Until relatively recently, the idea of heating every room in our homes would have been seen as an extravagance. Arguably, only advances in central heating and cheap fuel have stopped this being the case. It is nonetheless a waste of energy when what we are actually trying to do is warm ourselves. By using the heating system to maintain a minimum temperature high enough to avoid freezing pipes or mould forming (10C or so), bills can be slashed. Heated clothing (jackets, trousers) are available cheaply, powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs.
It costs pennies to charge the batteries overnight, and the clothes can keep you toasty all day, whether you are outside or inside your home, in combination with a fleece or jumper. It could also save on countless tons of CO2 that would be added to the atmosphere from burning gas. A family of four can be kitted out for the price of the government’s heating allowance.
Stu Smith
Ipswich, Suffolk
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