Having a warm and comfortable home is essential for your well-being, especially in the colder months, which is why it is important to know the dos and don’ts when it comes to heating your home effectively. From keeping your column radiators clear of obstruction to making sure you’re up to date with maintenance throughout the year, there are many ways that you can ensure you’re getting the most from your central heating when the weather turns colder. Below, we’ll look at what not to do when heating your home in winter.
Don’t turn up the thermostat
One of the best things that you can do when it comes to heating your home in the winter, is to set your thermostat on a timer. Waking up on dark, cold mornings is hard enough without your home feeling cold too, so setting your thermostat means your heating can kick in just before you wake up, heating your home to the perfect, cosy temperature.
Setting your heating to turn on and off at certain times of the day will save you money. If you were to wake up and turn your thermostat up to a high temperature to heat your home quickly, you’re less likely to feel efficient warmth, and you’ll end up using more energy.
Don’t leave doors and curtains open
When heating your home in the colder months, there are things that you can do to ensure you’re getting the most from your heating. Closing doors and curtains can help the rooms in your home retain heat. Closing doors to rooms that are not in use, means that you can concentrate the heat from your radiators in the places that you need it most, and means the rooms that do require heat can be warmed up quickly and efficiently.
Heavy curtains are great for retaining heat in your home and keeping drafts out. Heat loss is common through windows, so closing your curtains in winter can help keep the warm air from escaping. It is also helpful if you’re trying to save on your energy bills.
Don’t block your radiators
It is essential when heating our homes that all radiators are free from obstruction. Placing furniture like sofas, or curtains over your radiator means that the heat being produced will be absorbed by the heavy material, and it will take longer, as well as more energy to heat your room. Removing any furniture that is blocking your radiator allows the heat the flow freely, creating a warm and cosy atmosphere when you need it most.
Placing an item of furniture over your radiator can also be dangerous; whilst it might not cause anything to catch fire, it can cause damage. Covering your radiators so the heat can’t distribute effectively will also drive up your heating bill. To avoid damage to your furniture and a hefty heating bill, keep your radiators clear.
Don’t leave floorboards bare
In the same way you should cover your windows in winter, you should also think about covering any wooden floorboards in your home. Wooden floors can cause added heat loss throughout your home, so adding blankets or rugs can help reduce the amount of heat you lose through the floor. You could also look at filling any gaps in the floorboards or skirting boards. You can save energy, keep the heat in and benefit from warm feet with the addition of soft furnishings!
Don’t wait until winter for maintenance
We rely on our heating in the winter, so it is important that it is in top condition to warm our homes up in the cooler seasons. You shouldn’t wait until winter to check if your system is in working order because if it needs repairing, you’re going to be without heating in the coldest time of the year! In the summer, when we tend to use our heating less, turning on your system to keep the elements working is essential. You should also use this time to check your radiators are heating up as they should and check for cold spots.
Summer is the best time to carry out heating maintenance, as it readies our heating to work in the winter, and if there are any issues, plumbers tend to be less busy in the summer, so the necessary maintenance can be carried out quickly and easily.
Do not rely on electric heaters
In the winter, it is sometimes necessary to use another heating appliance along with radiators and central heating for a quick fix, to warm up a space that is just not warm enough, quickly. But you must be mindful when using an electric heater. Although these heaters are good for a quick blast of warmth, they can overheat. You should make sure that you unplug an electric heater when it is not in use and be sure to never place it near material like clothes or curtains.
