We have recently returned from CVO and had occasion to use the wood burning stove in the villa. Could somebody tell me how long they would expect a one tonne load of wood to last, if used under normal conditions?

We've probably used about 2 tonnes this winter - starting mid-October, and still using the woodburner every evening at the moment.

We use about a ton of logs per month if the log burner is run continuously. Over this winter we used about 2,5 tons.

Using the log burner efficiently, not opening it up full for hours on end, will make the wood last a lot longer than if you run it blast furnace style.

I thought so!

The Villa we were in had not been used since last October, and there was more heat given off by the toaster than by the room heaters.
We lit the fire on Tuesday at midday soon after we arrived, it never went out and was continuously piled high.
The result - after 2 days temperature in the house a steady 25C, and just under one tonne used in 7 days!

We had a covered heated pool but couldn't get the temp above 24C. Is this normal?

The problem with the electric pool heaters is, that they do not operate properly once the outside temp drops below 10ºC, they simply cannot get the cold away fast enough and usually end up cutting out because they begin to freeze over.

Thanks G. Yes I did notice that the fan had stopped running on occasions and couldn't understand why

Maybe you could ship some Turf over before your next visit Rod.

We purchased 2 ton of HARD wood (you can get mixed) at 130 €uros per ton and which we commenced to use around October last. Last week because we are still using a fire in the evenings, we purchased another ton...same supplier 140 €uros. This year has been somewhat unusually cold. However, I have heard that they are forcasting an extremely hot summer.
Nightrider

SAM SPARKLE wrote:Maybe you could ship some Turf over before your next visit Rod.

Jaysus, now you're talking

Swimming Pool Heaters:-
Ref: Taking into consideration the climate in England as to that of the Algarve:-
We had an outdoor swimming pool in England.
Electric and Gas Heaters, housed in a log cabin.
Two types of covers ...a heavy duty and a bubble wrap.
Therefore, I am somewhat confused with the problems stated above.
Nightrider

Here the electric pool heaters are ususally mounted outside where they are exposed to the low temps - if they do not have a self defrost mechanism they simply stop running once they freeze up.

Gas heaters are a different story, they will work in just about any climate, but they will also cost an arm and a leg to run if it is that cold.

NR, I think if you ask Mr NR, the reason we went gas to heat the pool in the winter, in the UK, was because the electric heater couldn't cope, even when it was housed inside a wooden cabin. Unfortunately, there is no mains gas in the Algarve and I believe what people are saying with regard to trying to heat a pool here in the winter to be true.

I remember how lovely it was though, to run outside, even when there was snow on the ground and jump into a steaming hot pool...bit like the geezers in Iceland. The closest I have gotten to it here, is my friend's jacuzzi in Silves...bliss...sitting in a hot tub with a glass of wine and a view of Monchique.

I think last winter was just as cold as this one. In fact, the nights may have been colder with more frosts. We had a cactus die (or was it a succulent?...I am rubbish on plants).

I am extremely sorry Bruxy, but on this one your not quite correct.
nightrider

Not ususual. I will check with the "Encyclopedia Britanica" later.

Bruxinha wrote:Not ususual. I will check with the "Encyclopedia Britanica" later.

Mr N.R.Encyclopedia is at this very moment explaning to our Portuguese carpenters that they have hung a door on the wrong side. Will not make any difference, I hear the carpenters saying. Yes said Mr N.R. it will because in the nightime you will have to walk into the room (a bathroom) close the door and find the electricity switched, which is now behind the door. No Bruxy...not a good time to ask about swimming pool heaters.
Shall we start a thread about hanging doors......or hanging carpenters.
Nightrider
ps By the way I heard recently, that Portugal is trying to do a deal with another country to have its own gas supply.I will try and find out about this.