Heating Mistakes That Could Be Draining Your Wallet This Winter

As temperatures drop and radiators begin to hum again, many households unknowingly make heating mistakes that drive up energy bills. From fluctuating thermostat settings to poor ventilation habits, here’s how to keep your home warm efficiently — without overspending.

Turning the Heat Up and Down Constantly
It might seem logical to switch the heating off when you’re away, but doing so forces your system to work harder later to reheat cooled rooms. Experts recommend keeping a steady, moderate temperature instead of constantly turning it off and on.

Cranking the Thermostat to the Maximum
Turning your heating to full power won’t make a room warm up faster — it only overheats the space and wastes energy. On most thermostats, the highest setting can reach around 28°C, far beyond comfortable levels. A well-maintained system set to around 20°C usually does the job.

Ignoring the Ideal Room Temperatures
The perfect indoor temperature varies by room. Living areas are most comfortable at 20–21°C, while bedrooms can be cooler, around 17–18°C, promoting better sleep. Bathrooms and children’s rooms can be slightly warmer, but try not to let temperatures drop below 16°C at night.

Ventilating the Wrong Way
Leaving windows half-open for long periods is one of the biggest heating mistakes. Instead, open windows fully two to three times a day for about ten minutes to let in fresh air and remove humidity. This method avoids major heat loss while preventing mould growth.

Blocking Radiators
Furniture, curtains, or even dust can block heat from circulating properly. Keep radiators clear to ensure even warmth throughout the room. Experts say a thorough cleaning can boost your heating performance by up to 30%.

Leaving the Heating On During Long Absences
If you’re away for the weekend, turn your heating down rather than keeping it running. A small drop of two or three degrees when you’re gone for a few hours is fine, but longer absences require more significant reductions to avoid unnecessary costs.

Keeping Doors Open Between Rooms
It might seem practical to let heat flow freely, but open doors actually make it harder to maintain even warmth. Close interior doors to trap heat where it’s needed and improve energy efficiency.

Forgetting to Close Shutters or Curtains
Just as shutters block heat in summer, they can help retain it in winter. Close shutters and thick curtains at night to prevent warmth from escaping through the windows.

By avoiding these simple yet costly heating habits, you can enjoy a warmer home — and a lighter energy bill — all winter long.
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