As overnight temperatures plummet, many households will be worried about heating costs this winter. You may well be feeling the chill, but if you keep your central heating on all night for eight hours, you could end up forking out a hefty £100 a week on this alone.
Wooden radiator covers may be costing you
According to Andy Kerr, founder of boiler installation company BOXT, wooden radiator covers are a popular choice due to their appearance. However, wood is an effective insulator, meaning these covers do not transmit heat particularly well. This can result in wasted energy and money. Kerr suggests opting for covers made from metal instead, as metal absorbs less heat than wood, conducting the heat more efficiently and enabling heat to flow around the room more easily.
Style matters too
Not only is the material of the radiator cover important, but the style can also impact its effectiveness. Andy Kerr advises that covers with more gaps and holes allow more heat to escape, while completely solid covers make it harder for the heat to transmit into the room. It is also crucial to have ample space between the radiator and the cover to ensure the heat is evenly distributed around the room.
Other radiator mistakes to avoid
In addition to using the wrong material or style of radiator cover, there are other common mistakes people make when it comes to their radiators. Andy Kerr warns against blocking radiators with furniture or damp clothes, as this prevents heat from effectively spreading into the room. He also suggests using thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to adjust the temperature of your units. This allows for more control over energy consumption and prevents overheating. Additionally, regularly bleeding radiators is essential to maximize their efficiency and ensure efficient heat distribution.
By avoiding these radiator mistakes and using your radiators efficiently, you can potentially save yourself up to £100 a week.
