Winter Heating: The Do’s and Don’ts

Preparing for winter can be incredibly unappealing as well as challenging, and whether we like it or not, to quote House Stark - "winter is coming". However, we can start preparing ourselves as the nights grow longer and the temperature begins to drop, and get your home ready for the cold season!

To make it easier, we’ve compiled a straightforward list of heating "do’s" and "don’ts" to help you avoid commonly made mistakes.

✅ Do:

1. Bleed Your Radiators

If your radiator takes longer than usual to heat up, is noisy whilst doing so, or isn't hot from top to bottom, then it may require bleeding. It is very normal for air to build up in a radiator, but when this trapped air is left, it can prevent a radiator from running efficiently and effectively. Bleed regularly to release trapped air and ensure they heat efficiently. Check out our guide to bleeding your radiators.

2. Set Your Thermostat Correctly

According to the Energy Saving Trust, the ideal temperature of a home is 18°C - 21°C, however, this largely depends on who is living there. Correctly using a thermostat during the winter is important for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature while maximizing energy efficiency. By setting it to an optimal temperature, you avoid wasting energy on overheating, which can lead to higher heating bills. A well-regulated thermostat ensures your heating system only runs when necessary, reducing wear and tear on the system and helping to maintain consistent warmth in your home. Additionally, using programmable thermostats can allow you to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule, further improving efficiency and comfort.

4. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance on your boiler and radiators is essential to ensure energy efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and maintain safety. It helps identify potential issues early, extends the lifespan of your heating system, and ensures consistent, reliable warmth throughout the winter. Regular upkeep also reduces energy bills and prevents costly repairs down the line.

5. Use TRVs Correctly

Having your radiator valves set correctly is essential in ensuring that the room is at a comfortable temperature and that energy is not wasted. It is important to remember that a TRV opens and closes based on the ambient temperature of the room, rather than the temperature of the radiator - setting your TRV to its maximum setting won't warm up the space any quicker! Read our guide to adjusting valves here to learn more.

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🚫 Don’t:

1. Block Radiators

It's important not to put things in front of a radiator because doing so blocks the flow of heat, reducing its ability to warm the room efficiently. Furniture or curtains absorb the heat, causing your heating system to work harder, wasting energy, and increasing heating costs. It can also lead to uneven heating, leaving parts of the room colder than others. Keeping radiators clear allows for proper heat circulation, ensuring the room stays warm and comfortable.

2. Ignore Cold Spots

Cold spots on radiators may indicate trapped air and the need for bleeding, or the need for balancing.

3. Leave the Heating on Constantly

We all love a warm home during the winter, who doesn't? However, leaving the heating on all the time is not the way to go about it. Keeping your heating running constantly is less efficient because it wastes energy by maintaining a constant high temperature, even when it's not needed. This leads to higher heating bills and unnecessary strain on your heating system. Instead, using a timer or thermostat to heat your home only when necessary ensures energy is used efficiently, reducing costs and avoiding excessive wear on the system.

4. Dry Clothes Directly on Radiators

Drying clothes on radiators reduces their efficiency by blocking heat from circulating properly, causing your heating system to work harder and use more energy. This can lead to higher energy bills and uneven heating in your home. Additionally, drying clothes on radiators increases humidity, which can lead to condensation, dampness, and even mould growth in the room.

5. Overlook the Importance of Insulation

Insulating your home is important as it provides an extra layer of protection between your warm cosy home and the harsh, cold weather outside. Insulation can directly impact your heating system's efficiency and, ultimately, your comfort and energy bills.

Understanding the efficacy of insulation concerning your heating system is crucial due to the pivotal role it plays in how well your home retains heat. Our insulation blog article goes into detail about the considerations insulation needs when it comes to your heating.