In the cold winter, residents in high latitude areas inevitably need to use heating to keep warm, which can lead to increased energy costs. To address this, experts have shared a tip that could potentially save you hundreds of pounds this winter.
According to a report by the UK’s Daily Express, Nancy Emery, a heating expert from the UK heating equipment supplier Only Radiators, suggested that in December, when temperatures are relatively mild, people can adjust their thermostat down by 1 degree.
Emery stated, “Making this small change won’t affect your comfort level, but it could save you hundreds of pounds over the course of a year.”
The National Health Service in the UK recommends that the most commonly used areas in a home should be kept at a minimum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. These commonly used areas include bedrooms and living rooms.
Emery pointed out, “There is evidence to suggest that 18 degrees Celsius is the most suitable threshold, especially for overall health. However, when determining the ideal temperature, it’s important to consider the individual needs of family members. Aging can affect our ability to regulate temperature, making us more susceptible to colds.”
She advised that when the temperature does drop significantly (likely towards the end of December), people should not rush to increase the thermostat setting, or they may end up “hurrying slowly.”
Emery explained, “Your home needs time to gather heat. Therefore, being patient and allowing the central heating system to work is crucial.”
She added, “Thermostats gradually learn about the demands of your home, which is influenced by various factors such as the age of the boiler, the age of your house, your insulation, and the outdoor temperature.”
She mentioned that raising the temperature won’t expedite things but will only overheat your home, waste energy, and increase costs. On average, for every 1-degree increase in temperature, heating costs can rise by an additional 10% per year.
During cold spells, it is recommended to keep the thermostat at a moderate temperature, only turning it on when necessary or setting a timer to control costs while keeping your home comfortable.
In addition to lowering the heating temperature setting, ceiling fans, typically used for cooling in the summer, can also help save on heating costs in the winter. By setting the fan blades to rotate clockwise in the winter, you can create a warmer environment and reduce the need for heating.
Experts suggest that simply flipping a switch to change the direction of the blade rotation can achieve this purpose, with the switch usually located at the bottom of the ceiling fan. Changing the direction of the blade rotation should create a slight upward draft, pushing the warm air towards the walls and then back into the room.
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