Unfortunately, I feel this may become the new normal.

Yes, I meant in a way that prioritizes monetary gain. Improving property for ones own enjoyment is totally fine. Homes should not be thought of a good monetary investment vehicle, though. In fact, they usually aren't when all costs are properly factored in.

There are several options, like with pictures or not. I think the complete archive is about 110 GB, but see for yourself.

That's the whole "common sense Conservatives" schtick. It effectively translates to, "just trust us, don't look at the data, we're definitely doing this for the good of the people and not solely those who line our pockets."

Their base, often with limited critical thinking ability, is happy to lap it up as it means they don't have to use their brain.

Not a bad question, but I'm not sure it's relevant to this story.

I'm not sure if they're available with UK plugs, but I've got a pack of Thirdreality Zigbee plugs that monitor energy use and have a button on them to toggle power.

I've got them connected to Home Assistant. Two do a bit of climate control in a coldroom, the others are for occupancy lighting.

Sounds to me like more of a reason why we should.

Interior shades aren't nearly as effective as exterior. Once that sun gets through the window, it's already giving that next interior surface quite a bit of heat.

There are many styles of awning or other shading elements. You can have metal slats or what looks like a wood box that comes out horizontally over the window. I'm sure something could fit your house's aesthetic. And perhaps ask your wife what value she'd put on thermal comfort.

Looking for shading elements or shading strategies might get broader results than simply sheet metal or fabric awnings.

The cost of doing business.

Income-based fines should really be more commonplace.

I've purchased a few things after listening to him yell at me for 20 minutes. The reviews are useful, but I wouldn't watch for pleasure.

The fuck is a scathing latter?

As an engineer, critical infrastructure should very much be designed with redundancy and failsafes to prevent failure from any reasonable risk. Cold weather impacting natural gas supply is reasonable risk that can have a catastrophic impact on people's ability to heat their homes and it's mind blowing how those failures have happened more than once in recent years. Utilities should be held to much higher standards and immediate action taken after failures to prevent the same from happening again.