Whats cheaper? heating one room with central heating or a portable?

[PoppyGrove]

I'm afraid i'm with the majority and would run with the gas central heating. I would suggest not turning off the rads in the other rooms as you'd need to keep the rest of the house aired to stop things going damp - ie your clothes, bedding, etc. If you've got heat in one room and none at all in the remainder of the house the rest of the house will feel much colder and the heating would need to work harder to keep that one room warm.
If keeping the house warm on a limited budget is priority - have you got loft insulation? There are a few organisations around that will install it for free if you're on a limited budget or are claiming. Also, I'm sure I read something about cavity wall insulation being offered free too, although I can't remember where I read it. Perhaps a token, card or budget meter (not sure of their proper name) where you pay as you go so to speak may be an option.

Hope that helps.

[olivia8143]

Perhaps a token, card or budget meter (not sure of their proper name) where you pay as you go so to speak may be an option.
Hope that helps.

This would be the most expensive option.

[PoppyGrove]

This would be the most expensive option.

Oh right - I've no experience with them so don't know the full 'ins and outs'. I was thinking that perhaps they may help the OP budget and spread the cost of the heating.

[CarnoustieCats]

Has our winter fuel allowence gone fer a burton I wonder.
Anybody know?

Nope... they are still coming this year ...and our big Xmas prezzie tenner.... they say they will not be touched next year but I would not count on it!!

[ladynuttiepig]

hi l know thins is not you are on about but l have one of them gas fire that you need a bottle
you can have it if you what needs cleaning dust for free l am in herne bay

[tonyreddevil]

just gone 60 male am i entitled to winter fuel allowance?
if so is it £200?

[Gill]

OP - I live in a small cottage where the front door is located in the lounge area of the lounge/diner. The dining area has a rad that isn't big enough to heat the lounge area as well. We had 2 options. 1) put a rad into the lounge under the window and 2. Plug in oil-filled rad.

I work for an electrical contractor and asked his advice. Going for option one would mean big expense and upheaval. Option 2 is between £25 - £35 depending on the rad I chose. We chose option 2. The rad cost £23 (I don't get charged vat) and as long as the rad is kept on a low setting just to heat that area it is by far the more economical.

Turning off the c/h would mean letting the rest of the house get cold which is not economical in itself. A low heat setting on c/h is better than no setting at all. As we found when we first moved here - £1200 for a new boiler through age and lack of use.

[craig7501]

This would be the most expensive option.

Not for me, Gas per week £7.50, Electric Per Week £5 total per month on both is £50 per month. That's using a gas card and electric key with e-on

[theninestarshop]

OP have a look at this web site www.insulationgrants.co.uk you may be able to get FREE or at least subsidised Loft Insulation/Cavity Wall Insulation etc
It's all backed by the government and power companies .