We lost our furnace during the winter and it took us about a week to realize it, because the house lost heat so slowly. 3 hours should be nothing unless you've no insulation at all, in which case you have other problems.
I for one am grateful the UK managed to keep loads of nice Victorian townhouses because the Luftwaffe weren't that great at their jobs. They're nice, proper high ceilings and woodwork.
I agree with you that the government energy subsidy we have now is appalling. Should be dumped immediately. I'm paying £15/mo less than I did before - this is the most stupid use of national debt ever devised, I would rather pay what energy actually costs than be forced to be complicit in this.
Or at least there are much better built and insulated houses around here now.
It would be really nice if all the POPs and DSLAMS and stuff ran on -40v so all you had to do was put your modem and router on a UPS and keep your internet up when the power dropped.