Hello,
I registered here because I urgently need advice regarding domestic hot water preparation and hope this is the right place.
My husband passed away four weeks ago, and I need to reduce my electricity costs urgently. At the moment, I pay a monthly electricity advance of 155€ and simply can no longer afford that.
I live in a small, old house, and currently I have a very old 200-liter (53-gallon) water heater that probably consumes a lot of electricity.
The rental agreement was written so that the landlord is not responsible for any modernization measures of any kind, just in case questions arise.
I take one shower daily and bathe once a week. I only have a washing machine and a stove. No dryer, no dishwasher, no microwave, etc. Otherwise, just a PC, television, and usual household lighting (energy-saving).
What would you recommend: an instantaneous water heater (tankless) or an 80-liter (21-gallon) water heater? Money is very tight, so I cannot consider other options.
Thank you and have a nice Sunday.
I registered here because I urgently need advice regarding domestic hot water preparation and hope this is the right place.
My husband passed away four weeks ago, and I need to reduce my electricity costs urgently. At the moment, I pay a monthly electricity advance of 155€ and simply can no longer afford that.
I live in a small, old house, and currently I have a very old 200-liter (53-gallon) water heater that probably consumes a lot of electricity.
The rental agreement was written so that the landlord is not responsible for any modernization measures of any kind, just in case questions arise.
I take one shower daily and bathe once a week. I only have a washing machine and a stove. No dryer, no dishwasher, no microwave, etc. Otherwise, just a PC, television, and usual household lighting (energy-saving).
What would you recommend: an instantaneous water heater (tankless) or an 80-liter (21-gallon) water heater? Money is very tight, so I cannot consider other options.
Thank you and have a nice Sunday.
Umbau-Susi18 Oct 2015 12:15Hello Tweedy,
First of all, I want to express my condolences on the passing of your husband.
Now...
Even if this might seem too direct... feel free to stop reading here if you prefer.
Here is my opinion based on years of advisory experience.
The boiler issue is likely just a symptom. You are probably dealing with an old house that is in need of many repairs (heating system?), possibly located far from essential services (shopping, doctor, etc.). In the long run, this will likely be overwhelming for you alone, especially if the owner does not take responsibility.
I realize that my next suggestion might seem like a bull in a china shop.
Still:
It is completely understandable that right now you don’t want to leave the place where you lived with your husband and where all your memories are. At the same time, you will likely start feeling overwhelmed during the winter (shoveling snow, being alone in the house at night, etc.).
Therefore, it might be an option to consider relocating locally about six months after your husband’s passing. However, at that point, any major investment in the house would probably not make sense, as you will urgently need those funds for your move.
For now, a first step could be to ask the utility provider to reduce your monthly payments. With your situation explained, they will probably lower it to around €100 (about $110). This can help you manage finances initially and allow you to apply for widow’s benefits.
Please seek advice and support nearby who can help you make realistic assessments.
Sending you a big backpack of strength through the line.
Sylvia
First of all, I want to express my condolences on the passing of your husband.
Now...
Even if this might seem too direct... feel free to stop reading here if you prefer.
Here is my opinion based on years of advisory experience.
The boiler issue is likely just a symptom. You are probably dealing with an old house that is in need of many repairs (heating system?), possibly located far from essential services (shopping, doctor, etc.). In the long run, this will likely be overwhelming for you alone, especially if the owner does not take responsibility.
I realize that my next suggestion might seem like a bull in a china shop.
Still:
It is completely understandable that right now you don’t want to leave the place where you lived with your husband and where all your memories are. At the same time, you will likely start feeling overwhelmed during the winter (shoveling snow, being alone in the house at night, etc.).
Therefore, it might be an option to consider relocating locally about six months after your husband’s passing. However, at that point, any major investment in the house would probably not make sense, as you will urgently need those funds for your move.
For now, a first step could be to ask the utility provider to reduce your monthly payments. With your situation explained, they will probably lower it to around €100 (about $110). This can help you manage finances initially and allow you to apply for widow’s benefits.
Please seek advice and support nearby who can help you make realistic assessments.
Sending you a big backpack of strength through the line.
Sylvia
Hello Sylvia,
Thank you very much for your kind words; you are not overstepping at all. Here are a few explanations.
We have renovated the house gradually. It is small, about 80 square meters (860 square feet), so it’s quite manageable and currently in good condition. We don’t have central heating; there are two oil heaters that I fill by the jug as needed (I receive a subsidy from the employment agency for this). I’m mobile, so shopping is not a problem even though I live in a village—I combine it with my daily commute to work.
Of course, I also have to think about the future; I’m not getting any younger. I pay 300€ (about $320) for rent including heating, and an apartment isn’t much cheaper. If I do find something, I’m open to a change, but with a low income, that’s difficult.
In any case, I have to keep things as affordable as possible until then, and the old boiler is not sustainable. Lowering the installments probably won’t help much since I would then face a huge, unaffordable back payment.
In 2013, we had to pay back 2000€ (about $2100); due to my husband’s illness, Caritas and Antenne Bayern helped us. I can’t let things get that bad again, and that would likely happen if I reduce the installments.
So now I have to act quickly and decide between a tankless water heater and a boiler.
Thanks again for your kind words, and you’re definitely not an elephant in a china shop!
Thank you very much for your kind words; you are not overstepping at all. Here are a few explanations.
We have renovated the house gradually. It is small, about 80 square meters (860 square feet), so it’s quite manageable and currently in good condition. We don’t have central heating; there are two oil heaters that I fill by the jug as needed (I receive a subsidy from the employment agency for this). I’m mobile, so shopping is not a problem even though I live in a village—I combine it with my daily commute to work.
Of course, I also have to think about the future; I’m not getting any younger. I pay 300€ (about $320) for rent including heating, and an apartment isn’t much cheaper. If I do find something, I’m open to a change, but with a low income, that’s difficult.
In any case, I have to keep things as affordable as possible until then, and the old boiler is not sustainable. Lowering the installments probably won’t help much since I would then face a huge, unaffordable back payment.
In 2013, we had to pay back 2000€ (about $2100); due to my husband’s illness, Caritas and Antenne Bayern helped us. I can’t let things get that bad again, and that would likely happen if I reduce the installments.
So now I have to act quickly and decide between a tankless water heater and a boiler.
Thanks again for your kind words, and you’re definitely not an elephant in a china shop!
lastdrop schrieb:
Have you checked if you have a competitive rate? Otherwise, switching providers might already save you some money.I just checked, this is what I pay:
Annual consumption Energy price
net Energy price
gross Basic charge
net Basic charge
gross
up to 7,000 kWh 22.17 cents/kWh (26.38 cents/kWh) 80.67 EUR/year (96.00 EUR/year)
from 7,001 kWh 23.32 cents/kWh (27.75 cents/kWh)
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