5 heating mistakes making your house colder
With temperatures falling below freezing, many households are looking for heating hacks to keep rooms properly insulated. But are you making common mistakes that could be letting the cold air in?
"As winter sets in and temperatures drop, homeowners often find themselves reaching for the thermostat to keep their homes warm and cosy. However, despite having the heating on, you might still be experiencing a chilly home," says interior expert Warren Kinloch from Bathroom Deal.
Take a look at the heating mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Placing your furniture too close to the radiator
"One common mistake is placing furniture too close to the radiator. While it may seem like a logical way to maximise heat distribution, it can hinder the effectiveness of your heating system," explains Warren.
"Furniture acts as a barrier, preventing warm air from circulating freely around the room. To optimise heat flow, ensure sufficient space between your furniture and radiators. This can allow the warm air to circulate freely and warm up the entire room more efficiently."
2. Misconfigured thermostat settings
Have you double-checked your thermostat settings recently? According to the experts, you should always check that yours is programmed correctly.
"Misconfigured thermostat settings can be a sneaky factor contributing to a chilly home. Many homeowners unknowingly set their thermostats incorrectly, which can lead to inadequate heating," continues Warren.
"You should always double-check that your thermostat is programmed correctly, and consider investing in a smart thermostat for more precise temperature control. Additionally, be mindful of the placement of thermostats; they should be away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources to provide accurate readings and ensure optimal heating performance."
3. Gaps in windows and doors
Draughty windows and doors can make your home feel much colder, majorly contributing to heat loss.
"Cold drafts from poorly sealed windows and doors can offset the warmth generated by your heating system. You can check for drafts by running your hand along window frames and door edges. If you do feel a draft, consider adding weatherstripping or applying caulk to seal gaps," says Warren.
"In some cases, replacing old windows and doors with more energy-efficient ones can significantly improve insulation and reduce heat loss, so this could be a more cost-effective option for the long-term."
4. Not bleeding your radiators
Bleeding your radiators is a simple task to release trapped air inside. "Now is the time to ensure your central heating is working efficiently and helping you stay warm without your energy bills shooting up," says a spokesperson from Confused.com.
"A quick check of your boiler and radiators is a good start – if your radiators are cold at the top, they might need bleeding to improve performance."
To bleed yours, open the radiator valve by turning the radiator key (make sure your heating is off). Have a cloth to hand to catch any vapour or excess water. Once the hissing stops, you can tighten the key in the opposite direction.
5. Forgetting to clean your heating system
You may be surprised to learn that heating systems also need the occasional clean to help them run more efficiently and last longer. Flushing a central heating system is usually an involved task, so contact your local boiler engineer who can help.
Signs your heating system needs cleaning include:
Odd or unwanted noises coming from your boiler
Generally poor heating performances
Cold spots across your radiator
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