Martin Lewis finally explains the best way to use your heating
As Storm Babet sweeps across the country and temperatures drop, many families are looking for ways to save money on heating. The NHS advises that when outdoor temperatures fall below 15C, it’s best to turn on the heating to stay warm and healthy.
Jess Steele from BestHeating said: “Whilst there isn’t an optimum time to switch heating on, our research shows that once temperatures are below 15C, usually in the middle of October, it is best to turn the heating on as we feel the chill more,”
Breathing in cold air can lead to chest infections, so it’s crucial not to risk your health by keeping your home too cold. However, energy costs can be daunting, leading people to seek alternative ways to keep warm.
For over-65s with pre-existing conditions, it’s recommended to keep bedrooms warmer than 18C at night. But this isn’t as important for younger, active individuals with suitable bedding.
Chronicle Live suggests a general rule of thumb is to keep the house at 18C, particularly if you’re more susceptible to the cold. But if you’re under 65 and active, you can lower this slightly as long as you’re still comfortable.
“By the end of the month, even the hardiest among us will have our heating on. If it is below 13C outside then serious health issues can arise, especially in vulnerable people. With many worried about their finances, it can be tempting to hold off putting the heating on but be careful delaying this too long as this can hurt your body.”
The Energy Saving Trust says that over half of what you spend on energy bills goes towards heating and hot water. So, it’s crucial to get it right and avoid these five common blunders.
Setting the wrong temperature
Lots of homes often crank up the heat too high. This is sometimes because basic central heating systems don’t let you control each room individually.
If you only have one thermostat, it can be tricky to figure out what the temperature of each room should be.
But, if you buy some thermostatic radiator valves for each room, you can set a comfy temperature. Rooms that you don’t use should be set to a low level, with the doors kept shut.
Turning up the thermostat for a quick fix
This won’t actually do anything to help you warm up fast as it has no control over the speed – all it does is set the final temperature.
The heating will come on until the final temperature is reached, then the thermostat will turn the heating off until the temperature drops again.
Cranking up your thermostat to get warmer quicker can cause your system to overheat your home, wasting energy and money.
Keeping the heating on all the time isn’t a good idea either. When you’re not at home, lower the temperature of your heating and avoid turning it up too high when you return.
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Programmable thermostats can help you save energy, ensuring you come home to warm rooms that have been running efficiently while you were out.
Turning off the heating completely when you leave the house can put your home at risk of damp, mould and burst pipes. To prevent this, set your thermostat to frost setting, which will keep the heating off while you’re away but will protect your home.
Placing your thermostat in the wrong place can also cause problems. Thermostats measure the temperature of the room they’re in and control the heating based on this temperature. So, placing them in a very cold or warm room may cause issues.
Experts recommend installing a thermostat on an interior wall, around five feet from the floor, away from windows or direct sunlight and away from heat sources such as radiators, lamps, ovens or electronics.
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