WITH energy bills soaring and temperatures starting to plummet, it’s time to – reluctantly – fire up the heating as we head into the colder months.
However, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to higher energy bills and less efficient heating.
Heating expert and founder of UKRadiators.com, Rob Nezard, shares the three most common mistakes people make when heating their homes in winter — and how to avoid them.
Rob says: “With energy costs rising, it’s more important than ever to heat your home efficiently.
Unfortunately, there are a few common mistakes people make every winter that end up costing them more in energy and comfort. Here’s what to look out for.”
Rob said: “It’s wrong to think that cranking up the thermostat will heat your home faster.
“But in reality, heating systems work at a consistent rate. Turning the thermostat up too high doesn’t make the system heat any faster; it just causes your home to overheat, leading to wasted energy and higher bills.”
Instead, Rob recommends setting the thermostat to your desired temperature and being
patient.
He added: “A consistent temperature is far more efficient and will keep your home comfortable without unnecessary energy use.”
Rob said: “Many people unknowingly block radiators with furniture or heavy curtains, especially in winter when we try to create cosy spaces.
“But when you obstruct the airflow, it prevents the heat from circulating properly.”
This forces your heating system to work harder to warm up the room, ultimately wasting energy.”
Rob advises keeping radiators clear of any obstructions.
He added: “Make sure furniture is positioned away from radiators and avoid draping curtains over them. This simple step can make your home heat more efficiently.”
Rob said: “Trapped air in radiators is a common problem that reduces their efficiency.
“When air gets trapped, it causes cold spots in your radiators, meaning they don’t heat evenly.
“Homeowners often forget to bleed their radiators regularly, but doing so is crucial for maintaining efficient heating.”
Rob suggests checking your radiators at the start of the winter season and bleeding them if necessary.
He added: “By releasing the trapped air, you allow hot water to circulate properly, which not only improves heat distribution but also helps reduce energy consumption.”
By avoiding these three common mistakes, Rob says you help your heating system be more efficient, saving energy, £s and keeping your home warm throughout the winter months.
Rob added: “It’s all about small adjustments that can make a big difference in both comfort and cost.”
