Millions of UK households have been drying clothes on radiators as the country’s chaotic stop-start weather continues – but experts warn it could be causing serious boiler damage
With households constantly switching between “summer mode” and “winter mode”, everyday habits such as switching the heating on and off or draping wet laundry over radiators during rainy spells could be wreaking havoc on your home.
One moment it’s 10°C, tipping it down and the heating is cranked back up, with damp school uniforms and soggy towels flung over radiators — and the next, temperatures rocket and boilers are forgotten about entirely, only to be fired up again days later when another cold snap strikes.
This pattern is partly being driven by cost-conscious households attempting to avoid running the heating non-stop during spring, opting instead for short bursts of warmth whenever the weather turns. And many are unwittingly making matters worse.
Drying washing on radiators during wet weather might appear harmless enough, but it forces boilers to graft harder for longer while trapping moisture inside the home, significantly raising the risk of damp and condensation.
Experts also warn that poor ventilation when drying laundry indoors can contribute to mould growth around windows, walls and ceilings, as well as pushing energy bills higher — particularly if people neglect to switch the heating off afterwards, reports the Express.
Martin Lewis’ Money Saving experts have advised heat isn’t really what your washing needs to dry faster – it’s ventilation. Alex said: “Quite surprisingly, people used to wash and dry clothes before the invention of Gas Central heating. For example, in my parents’ small upper storey Council flat in the 1950’s and 60’s where only one room was heated… by a coal fire.
“Ventilation is the key; the landlord won’t thank you for damp, mouldy growth on walls, round windows or in cold corners caused by excess humidity, even if you don’t mind breathing mould spores!”
Another added: “I use a dehumidifier, put the clothes on an airer in the bathroom, put the leccy towel heater on and the humidifier and they dryer quickly. In the summer, just open the bathroom window but don’t dry the clothes in your living room or bedroom!”
Britain’s erratic stop-start weather is placing boilers under strain months ahead of winter’s arrival, heating specialists BOXT have cautioned. They say the unpredictable May conditions are creating additional pressure on domestic heating systems throughout the nation.
They caution that repeated stop-start operation can result in pressure issues, trapped air, sludge accumulation and general deterioration — problems many householders won’t detect until the heating is required full-time during winter.
Numerous households are also unwittingly compounding the strain by continually adjusting thermostats as temperatures fluctuate from mild to chilly within hours. Adam Knight, lead Gas Safe engineer at BOXT said: “A lot of people assume boilers only come under pressure in winter, but these stop-start weather patterns can actually be just as tough on heating systems.
“We’re seeing households flick the heating on for an hour in the morning, turn it off during warmer afternoons, then fire it back up again when temperatures drop.
“Add in wet washing draped over radiators and boilers are suddenly working much harder than people realise.
“The problem is that many faults stay hidden and can build up through spring and summer, only becoming obvious when the heating is needed every day in winter.
“That’s when we tend to see the consequences of pressure issues, trapped air or sludge build-up that’s been developing unnoticed for months.”
Experts suggest spring and summer are the ideal times to identify potential issues before they escalate into expensive winter emergencies.
Common warning signs your boiler may be struggling include – radiators taking longer to heat up; inconsistent heat distribution throughout the home; gurgling, banging or whistling sounds; boiler pressure dropping repeatedly; heating cutting out unexpectedly; hot water temperatures varying.
Spotting these problems early could help households sidestep costly emergency callouts during the colder months. The experts recommend avoiding radiators for drying clothes. Drying washing on radiators can place unnecessary strain on your heating system and trap moisture indoors. Instead, opt for a heated airer, a dehumidifier or run an additional spin cycle before hanging clothes up.
Check your boiler pressure now — not in October. Low boiler pressure is among the most frequent problems engineers encounter after boilers have been idle and are suddenly restarted.
Most boilers should maintain pressure between 1 and 2 bar. Similarly, arrange a boiler service before the winter rush. Summer and early autumn appointments are typically easier — and more affordable — to book than emergency winter callouts when temperatures drop.
Bleed radiators before the cold sets in. Cold spots or gurgling sounds can indicate trapped air, reducing your heating’s efficiency and forcing boilers to work harder.
Finally — don’t dismiss unusual noises. Banging, whistling or ‘kettling’ sounds could signal sludge accumulation or circulation issues developing within the system.
