Optimal Home Heating During Cold Snaps
As parts of the UK brace for snow and single-digit temperatures, understanding the ideal home heating levels becomes imperative. The World Health Organisation suggests maintaining indoor warmth at 18C (64F), while the Energy Saving Trust’s range is a slightly broader 18C to 21C (70F). Special considerations are recommended for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with clinical vulnerabilities, who may require different temperature settings to remain comfortable and safe.
Protecting the Vulnerable from Extreme Cold
For newborns, the Lullaby Trust urges caution against overheating, recommending a room temperature between 16C (61F) and 20C (68F) to prevent sudden infant death syndrome. Meanwhile, Age UK advises seniors to keep their most-used rooms at about 21C and the rest of their home no cooler than 18C, highlighting the risks of hypothermia or heat-related illnesses at temperatures outside these ranges.
Combatting Mould without Wasting Heat
While it may seem counterintuitive to open windows during winter, doing so for short periods can improve air quality and prevent mould without significantly impacting your heating bill. However, this should be done when the heating is off, and if you own an air purifier, additional ventilation may not be necessary.
Insulation Tips: Curtains, Blinds, and Rugs
Insulating your home effectively is key to retaining heat. Curtains generally provide better insulation than blinds, especially at night or when you’re away. Additionally, laying rugs on wood or laminate floors can significantly enhance insulation.
Heating Strategies for Vacant Homes
Leaving the heating on during absences is only crucial when temperatures approach freezing to prevent frozen pipes and potential flooding. British Gas recommends a minimum thermostat setting of 7C (44F) in such cases. However, the Energy Saving Trust advocates for heating your home only when necessary, rather than maintaining a constant low temperature.
Enhancing Radiator Efficiency with Foil
Placing foil behind radiators is an effective trick to reflect heat back into the room, ensuring a quicker and more sustained warmth. For safety and efficiency, use foil-covered card cut into a T-shape to fit around radiator brackets.
Additional Heating Hacks and Maintenance
Post-cooking oven heat can be repurposed to warm your kitchen, while draft excluders can seal off heat-leaking gaps. Regular maintenance, such as bleeding radiators twice a year, is also essential for optimal heating efficiency, as recommended by the Energy Saving Trust.
