With energy bills still high, the Met Office has shared which two rooms you should focus on heating to stay warm while managing costs.
Britain is enduring yet another bitter cold spell, with countless households cranking up their central heating systems for warmth. Yet with energy costs remaining steep, many are struggling to heat their properties adequately.
Whilst you can bundle up in extra layers and blankets, exposure to chilly conditions poses health risks. Health professionals advise maintaining indoor temperatures of no less than 18C, particularly crucial for those with limited mobility, the over-65s, or anyone with underlying health issues.
Nevertheless, keeping an entire property heated around the clock can seriously strain household budgets. The Met Office has outlined strategies to help people stay cosy and secure in their homes whilst simultaneously cutting energy bills.
Their guidance suggests programming central heating to start shortly before you wake up and switch off at bedtime. During exceptionally harsh weather, they recommend extending these times slightly rather than pushing up the thermostat settings.
For those unable to warm every space in their property, experts have identified the two key areas deserving priority attention.
They explained: “If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room throughout the day and your bedroom just before you go to bed.”, reports the Express.
“Remember to close curtains and shut doors to keep heat in the rooms you use most.”
Installing draught excluders can further reduce heat loss whilst preventing cold air coming in. The concept of only warming the living room and bedroom comes from the fact that these are typically the spaces where people spend most of their time.
You can cosy up in your heated living room during the day, and then, as bedtime approaches, begin to warm your bedroom.
You might also consider using fires, electric heaters or electric blankets to maintain warmth in these rooms. However, it’s crucial to ensure these devices are used safely.
If you’re heating your living room with a fire, it’s essential to have a smoke alarm installed. Regularly sweep your chimney, use a fireguard and extinguish the fire before exiting the room.
Electric heaters should be positioned away from curtains and furniture. They should never be used for drying clothes and must always be unplugged when you leave the house or go to sleep.
To stay snug at night, an electric blanket could be a good option. This can preheat your bed before you climb in, and must be unplugged before you drift off to sleep unless they come with a thermostat control for safe overnight use.
