Clare Newsome:
OK, i've hung out as long as I could with the extra-jumpers etc, but I've had to cave in and put the heating on today. And it's not just my frozen nose/toes that have benefited - my hi-fi system is LOVING it. It's sounding especially good this afternoon.
Anyone else noticed the same thing, or has an afternoon of subbing the next issue sent me slightly loopy?
The average body kicks out 0.5 kW so four people, three computers, a bunch of (energy saving) lightbulbs, TV, hifi, the oven on in the kitchen (for an hour or two every evening) and the heat that builds up in the consvervatory - if there has been any afternoon sun - has been more than enough to keep things pretty warm so far. Our recent house renovation has improved heat retention even more. Admittedly our loft insulation could be uprated. I seem to recall it was 8 inches when we had it done last. I think 11 inches/270mm is the standard nowadays.
Also we are on the south coast (5 mins walk from the seafront) and in a city. We always tend to be a couple of degrees above the norm because of sea currents and local topography, and another degree or two being in a built up city. We live in a terrace so our neighbour's houses form good insulation at both sides. Living in amongst so many terraced roads also shelters us from the worst of the wind on all sides.
I cannot see us having to switch on the heating unless we get to about 4C outside during the day.
The amp warms it's own components whatever the ambient temperature because they are in a closed box. The biggest effect will be probably be on speaker cones/surrounds and stylus suspension if you use a turntable.