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Your dependence on the heating system in your home grows as the colder season draws closer. You probably are enjoying the warmth of your heating system as the weeks go by and anticipate things to stay relatively the same even when it starts snowing. However, do you know that you could face some problems in the future depending on how you heat your home? Below are four winter heating tips from the experts to help ensure you keep your energy costs low as you beat the cold. And if you need help with your heating system this winter, you can contact the Electric Heating Expert.
1. Do Not Block Radiators
Christmas is a bevy of activities, with things being moved around to make room for the presents, a Christmas tree, and a bigger table for the family to gather and share Christmas meals. It is best to keep an eye out for the radiator to ensure nothing gets shoved in front of it, even if for decorative purposes. So, do not push the desk, sofa, drawer chest, or chairs, and leave them in front of the radiator. They are a fire hazard, a risk you do not what your home faces during such a festive time.
Moreover, these things will lower the radiator’s efficiency by restricting heat dissipation. The heat accumulates behind the object in front of the radiator instead of dispersing into the room. Therefore, it is best to ensure that the radiator has abundant space around it to ensure it performs efficiently.
2. Control The Heating
You will be tempted to keep the heating on to ensure the home never feels chilly, or you might consider cranking the setting slightly higher to ensure the indoors feel toastier. At times, this might push some homeowners to leave their heating systems running 24/7. However, it is the wrong approach to keeping your home warm and welcoming in the colder months of the year. It also translates into higher energy bills and contributes to environmental damage via increased carbon emissions.
According to experts, every degree increase in temperature adds about 6% to your monthly heating bills. That means your bill can balloon by 25% when you pump up the heating temp from 20°C to 24°C. The objective is to help you consider other heating options that complement what you have going with the radiators. For instance, you can wear a jumper and a pair of thick socks when the inside feels a bit chilly instead of rushing to turn up the heating.
3. Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Ventilated
Keeping all the windows and doors shut and limiting the frequency of opening them will sound sensible during the cold months, especially around Christmas when everyone wants to enjoy warm indoors. You fear that opening them will let the hot air escape and allow cold air to enter. However, do you also take the time to consider if your home has the right ventilation? Winters often increase humidity levels, a situation exasperated by the regular heating because the house is full of people who do not want to freeze during festivities.
The increased humidity also triggers other problems like mould, rot, and breathing complications for some individuals. The heating and ventilation cannot ensure that you enjoy the fresh air; hence, you must open the windows for a few minutes in the day to allow the air to circulate. Open them fully, not just a crack, and keep the ajar for roughly five minutes. Experts recommend doing this in bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, which are prone to higher humidity. The humidity in the bedroom builds up overnight, and it can hamper sleep if not addressed. Leaving the windows open for five minutes will not cool down the room, or the entire house. Furthermore, the indoor conditions can soon pick up and ensure you are feeling toasty again if you have a heating system that is working properly.
