Does keeping doors closed really make homes warmer or is it better to leave them open? Martin Lewis’ MSE has weighed in on the debate, busting a few winter myths
To close or not to close, that is the question. Or at least so far as it comes to winter heating-bill savings, a debate that Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert has finally settled.
In a new list of energy myths to keep in mind as Britain’s temperatures drop sub-zero, the money saving experts have finally cracked the energy-saving conundrum: should I keep my doors open or closed when my heating is on?
The verdict is that inside doors are better off closed, especially those leading to rooms you don’t want heated.
Heating devices such as radiators, electric panel heaters, convection heaters and heat pumps all work by heating the air and allowing it to flow around the room.
As hot air rises, it circles around the room before cooling and sinking, then travelling along the floor and back to the heater to start the cycle over again. This is known as a convection current.
Closing doors makes it easier for the current to move and ensures it stays within the designated space, more effectively heating the room.
This has the added benefit of blocking cold air from coming in.
The MoneySavingExpert also answered queries such as “should I paint my radiators black?”, “should I microwave my water to save money?”, and “should I clingfilm my windows to keep in heat?”.
The answers, respectively, are no, no and yes, with the guide saying that clingfilming windows helps trap in heat by creating an insulating layer of air between the window and the film.
Other myths busted were that solar panels don’t work in winter (they do! – solar panels collect daylight, not sunlight, so will work even on dreary days) and that running an electric fan is too expensive to bother with – though this advice might now be a little out of season.
Martin Lewis MoneySavingExpert based their tips off of advice from the Energy Saving Trust and other experts. The advice is intended to help Brits keep energy costs low as the temperature drops – and bill caps rise – this winter.
