Little-known radiator mistake could be 'sneaky' reason your house feels cold

08 January 2024 , 19:00

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A common mistake could be making your house feel colder than it is (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

A common radiator mistake could be the reason your house feels cold even when the heating's on.

The winter months have already brought wind, rain, and snow to the UK, with the Met Office issuing a 12-hour weather warning for ice across the South of England, set to come into effect later today (January 8th). The severe conditions have seen many of us decide to stay home and wrap up warm, but thanks to one little-known radiator mistake, we could be sitting in houses that should be much warmer than they are.

Interiors expert Warren Kinloch has claimed there's a "sneaky factor" that's contributing to our homes feeling chilly even when we've got the heating on, and it's all down to how we configure our thermostats - as well as where we place them.

Warren, from Bathroom Deal, has claimed that misconfigured thermostat settings are a huge cause of cold homes, and many homeowners won't even realise they've made the mistake. He said: "Misconfigured thermostat settings can be a sneaky factor contributing to a chilly home. Many homeowners unknowingly set their thermostats incorrectly, which can lead to inadequate heating. You should always double-check that your thermostat is programmed correctly, and consider investing in a smart thermostat for more precise temperature control."

What's more, ensuring your thermostat is placed in the right location is paramount, as placing it in a place that sees direct sunlight or next to a heat source could make it read the wrong temperature. Warren added: "Additionally, be mindful of the placement of thermostats; they should be away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources to provide accurate readings and ensure optimal heating performance."

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And it's not just your thermostat that could be making your home cold either, as Warren also said the position of your furniture could impact your heating too. Having your furniture too close to your radiators can hinder the effectiveness of your heating system, meaning your radiators aren't able to circulate heat around your house properly.

He pointed out: "One common mistake people make is placing furniture too close to the radiator. While it may seem like a logical way to maximise heat distribution, it can actually hinder the effectiveness of your heating system. Furniture acts as a barrier, preventing warm air from circulating freely around the room.

"To optimise heat flow, ensure that there is sufficient space between your furniture and radiators. This can allow the warm air to circulate freely and warm up the entire room more efficiently."

Zahna Eklund