As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, keeping warm becomes a priority. With energy costs rising and the pressures of environmental concerns, it can be difficult to balance comfort with energy efficiency. Here, we will look at some key strategies to help you stay warm and keep your energy bills in check.
Should I leave the heating on all day?
Whilst it might seem logical to keep the heating on low and continuously in order to maintain a stable, more affordable temperature, this isn’t always the case. Keeping your heating on low all day can still burn through a lot of energy, so a more energy-efficient approach is to use your heating only when you need it.
An easy and cost-effective solution is to use a timer. By programming your heating system to come on only at specific times, such as in the morning before you wake up and in the evening when you return home, you can maintain warmth without wasting energy during the hours when you’re either out or asleep.
How many hours a day should I leave the heating on?
The number of hours you should keep the heating on depends on several factors, such as the insulation in your home, the outside temperature and your personal comfort preferences. However, in general, during the UK winter, most people find that having the heating on for around 6–8 hours a day is sufficient.
The recommended temperature for living rooms in the winter is around 18-21°C whereas bedrooms can usually be kept cooler, as low as 16°C so set your thermostat accordingly. If you’re leaving the house or going to bed, consider turning the heating off entirely.
Use curtains wisely
One of the simplest and most effective ways to retain heat in your home during the winter is to make good use of your curtains. Windows are one of the main culprits for heat loss, especially in older homes, so using thick, lined curtains can act as an extra layer of insulation.
During the day, open your curtains to let the sunlight in and allow the natural warmth to heat your rooms. Even on cold but sunny winter days, this can make a noticeable difference. Once the sun goes down, close your curtains to trap that heat and prevent draughts from creeping in. Investing in thermal curtains or adding a lining to your existing curtains can provide even more insulation, keeping your home warmer for longer.
Check your radiators
If you rely on radiators for heating, you must ensure they are working efficiently to provide maximum for minimum expense. Over time, air can get trapped in the radiators, making them less effective at heating your home. Bleeding your radiators regularly can help to release this air and improve their performance. It’s a simple task you can do yourself with a radiator key, and it can make a noticeable difference to the heat output.
Additionally, ensure there are no obstructions around your radiators. Furniture, curtains, or other large objects placed directly in front of or on top of a radiator can block heat from circulating around the room, causing your boiler to work harder than it needs to.
You can also place reflective foil behind radiators, especially those on external walls. This will reflect heat back into the room instead of allowing it to escape through the walls.
Analyse and fix draughts
Draughts are a significant source of heat loss in many UK homes, especially older properties with single-glazed windows, wooden doors or older building materials. Identifying and fixing draughts is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to make your home warmer.
Consider installing draught excluders on doors and windows, using foam tape around the edges, and ensuring letterboxes and keyholes are covered.
If you have an unused fireplace, consider blocking the chimney temporarily to prevent heat from escaping up the flue. A simple chimney balloon or chimney draught excluder can do the job effectively.
Insulate your home
Insulation is key to retaining warmth in your home. If your home is well-insulated, it will take less energy to keep it warm. While loft and wall insulation may require an upfront investment, they can significantly reduce your energy bills in the long term. In the UK, many older homes were built without proper insulation, so it’s worth checking whether your home could benefit from additional loft or cavity wall insulation.
Even simple measures like placing rugs on bare floors can help insulate your home and keep your feet warmer.
In conclusion
Heating your home in the UK winter can be a daunting prospect but it doesn’t need to be an expensive or complicated task. By focusing on energy-efficient heating habits, using timers, checking your radiators, and preventing heat loss through draught-proofing and insulation, you can stay warm and keep your bills manageable.
Xgas can offer more help and advice on heating solutions for your home.