Put to the test by this cold weather

JohnB · Post by **JohnB** » 09 Jan 2010, 22:43

RenewableCandy wrote:I hope all you happy lumberjacks are planting trees somewhere as well

I've got an acre of grass I want to cover with forest garden and orchard, but it won't be this winter. I've got to clear all the fallen wood and brambles from the wood, so there won't be any planting there this winter either. Next winter should be busy! It's frustrating that I can't do anything in the wood now.

MisterE · Post by **MisterE** » 10 Jan 2010, 22:05

This is nothing, not even a test its a joke. A few days of snow ffs my nan and her pantry with a tiny open fire that sucked more heat out fo the home than it put in could cope with this. Here in wales we got the snow and cold, but its nowt compared to some of the snows we had as kids, no hot water, no central heating and the valley cut off for a few weeks. This is luxury, I could last until mid march easy. No 6 foot of snow in late december, with continous cold and on and off snow showers through Jan & feb, with a good two weeks of cold in march, through some power cuts in with that, now thats a test. This is luxury

I hope it does go bad, it will teach people that Tesco is not there for them on a weekly basis so stock up, learn to cook, eat less, ration your heat ie day on day off, if the kids are off school fantastic get out the games n cards, slam on the xbox, break out the guitar, get out in the snow - love it

I really do love it, it's breaking the propaganda bonds of the work ethic, people are home with their families can spend time free from the shackles and pressures of work - its awesome

JohnB · Post by **JohnB** » 10 Jan 2010, 23:06

It's not even as bad here as in some other parts of Wales, but as I've only just moved in, and not had a chance to start on any of my preparations, it's not so good.

I discovered today that one of the uPVC windows in the kitchen, fitted 3 years ago, has a gap you can see through!

MisterE · Post by **MisterE** » 11 Jan 2010, 08:59

You mean to say you got windows John, you lucky lucky lucky swine

Yep if you got a renovation on the go its not the weather for it, just think about next year when its all done - hope your enjoying Wales

caspian · Post by **caspian** » 11 Jan 2010, 09:54

MisterE wrote:I hope it does go bad

So, you'll be happy when thousands of old people die of the cold then? Because that's the logical consequence of the very cold weather you're hoping for. Be careful what you wish for.

emordnilap · Post by **emordnilap** » 11 Jan 2010, 10:03

caspian wrote:
MisterE wrote:I hope it does go bad
So, you'll be happy when thousands of old people die of the cold then? Because that's the logical consequence of the very cold weather you're hoping for. Be careful what you wish for.

Sadly, this species usually doesn't react positively until a catastrophe occurs. And often, not even then.

I do agree with a lot of MisterE's sentiments though - I keep telling people to enjoy this weather while they can. The views are fantastic, it is good for your fruit trees as well as other species, it puts your preparations to the test, it gives you space to think and plan, it's a chance to get to know new people. There's nothing you can do to prevent such weather so work around it. And it's actually not that bad.

emordnilap · Post by **emordnilap** » 11 Jan 2010, 10:06

JohnB wrote:I discovered today that one of the uPVC windows in the kitchen, fitted 3 years ago, has a gap you can see through!

Ah, one of those 'never replace your windows again' no-maintenance uPVC jobs which replaced the 'never replace your windows again' no-maintenance aluminium ones?

When I saw the pictures you posted, I was glad for you - except for those damned plastic window frames. They're a symbol of everything that's gone the wrong way in this society.

JohnB · Post by **JohnB** » 11 Jan 2010, 10:20

emordnilap wrote:When I saw the pictures you posted, I was glad for you - except for those damned plastic window frames. They're a symbol of everything that's gone the wrong way in this society.

I found another problem with them the other day. I acquired some uPVC windows and a door on Freecycle. They will ultimately be used for a greenhouse, but I'm going to build a temporary porch/conservatory type thing on the house to start with. The door frame got knocked over, and has broken apart at diagonally opposite corners. There's metal strengthening in them, apart from at the corners, where it's just welded plastic! Timber frames have strength everywhere, and could be easily repaired, this is going to be an "interesting challenge"

.

PowerswitchClive · Post by **PowerswitchClive** » 11 Jan 2010, 10:28

Mitch wrote:Hi ODO - welcome. Please be VERY cautious when investigating back-up power. I have 21 x 70 watt solar panels, 1 x Rutland 913 wind generator and a bank of 20 x 110 a/h batteries - total in excess of 14,000 quid. The last few weeks I have not got enough electricity to run my 60 watt circulation pump more than a few hours a day. No circulation pump, water in the stove back boiler overheats and - snap - the safety trip cut's off the diesel to the fire - no heating. I am currently spending £12.00 a day on petrol for my 1100 watt generator to keep the heating on 12 hours a day! (That's running the generator for 8 hours and charging at the same time, then running on the batt's for another 4 or 5 hours till they are flat).

Beware - it's virtually impossible to truly back up your 'leccy, unless you have a few million pocket change!

Hey Mitch are your Batteries dying again??
I don't understand how you are getting so little from such an expensive set up.

I have the same solar panels that you do... but 3 of them, trickle charging (this time of year) a 400ah battery bank and this has kept the batteries charged and the water pumps going for the shower, sinks etc
I did run the engine for 2 hours when the everything was covered with 8inches of snow (but most days I have just cleaned them off). I have G4 12V 5 or 10watt halogen bulbs for lighting which I use 5 or so hours a day.
From April to October, the 3 panals keep the batteries charged, the 12 volt fridge running, the lights and pump going.

Is the issue that you are trying to charge too many batteries from your generator and that once flat, the trickle charge (this time of year) from the solar will not recover flat batteries?
Most generators kick out around 8.3amps max at 12volt, which may be ok for 1-2 batteries, but not 20 of them connected together.

What are your thoughts, I am interested to find out as I was thinking of expanding my system on my boat.

Also what has your experience been with your petrol generator?
I was thinking of getting the Honda EU20 quiet suitcase generator as a backup - It claims to run for 10 hours on 1/4 load using 4litres of petrol...
Although I have mixed feelings about this.

emordnilap · Post by **emordnilap** » 11 Jan 2010, 10:31

JohnB wrote:There's metal strengthening in them, apart from at the corners, where it's just welded plastic!

You can see it as part of a list, can't you? "No maintenance" "Rigid frame" "Welded corners". What selling points. People are so gullible.

Ha! The FIL warned me against timber doors as 'portable drills etc mean criminals can easily get through a door these days'. I said something to the effect that most burglars are put off by the presence of a dog rather than the type of door frame.

What's more, I think burglars would be well aware of the 'design feature' you mention, John.

gug · Post by **gug** » 11 Jan 2010, 16:44

emordnilap wrote:
JohnB wrote:There's metal strengthening in them, apart from at the corners, where it's just welded plastic!
You can see it as part of a list, can't you? "No maintenance" "Rigid frame" "Welded corners". What selling points. People are so gullible.

Ha! The FIL warned me against timber doors as 'portable drills etc mean criminals can easily get through a door these days'. I said something to the effect that most burglars are put off by the presence of a dog rather than the type of door frame.

What's more, I think burglars would be well aware of the 'design feature' you mention, John.

If they want to get through a plastic door, they just bring a blowtorch.

Vortex · Post by **Vortex** » 11 Jan 2010, 19:40

Around here in rural Worcs they simply use a JCB.

RenewableCandy · Post by **RenewableCandy** » 11 Jan 2010, 21:18

...my nan and her pantry with a tiny open fire that sucked more heat out fo the home than it put in could cope with this.

Class! I had one of these (grannie) though to be fair it was Devon not Wales.

Erm, how does the cold weather help fruit trees emord.? If you tell me it kills off aphids, that'll make my day

MisterE · Post by **MisterE** » 11 Jan 2010, 22:27

Mwhahahah thought you'd like that RC, yep I was wondering about the fruit trees too as I past the allotment today. I'm sure we will be enlightened soon enough

emordnilap · Post by **emordnilap** » 12 Jan 2010, 09:45

RenewableCandy wrote:Erm, how does the cold weather help fruit trees emord.?

Apparently, low temperatures in winter mean the tree 'shuts down' more completely and for longer, so during the growth season it has more resources for growth and fruit-bearing. This is the expert speaking (the OH) and I have to take her word for it!

It seems logical to me, anyway and so we should welcome a good contrast of seasons.

RenewableCandy wrote:If you tell me it kills off aphids, that'll make my day

Now, that I don't know. I'll ask.