As temperatures drop and boilers spark back into life, we’re being warned that a handful of avoidable winter habits are driving up household energy costs and leaving homes colder than they need to be.
Energy efficiency expert Jamie Burns, from reliability firm Ailsa, has lifted the lid on the most common mistakes we make and revealed the simple hacks we can use to stay warm for less.
“Most of us think we’re being smart with our heating, but a few small bad habits can quietly waste hundreds of pounds each year,” said Jamie.
“Getting to know how your system really works can make a huge difference to both comfort and cost.”
The 8 Winter Heating Mistakes That Quietly Add £££ To Your Bills
- Cranking the thermostat:
- Turning it up to 25°C does not heat rooms faster. It overshoots, wastes energy and makes the system short‑cycle.
- Turning it up to 25°C does not heat rooms faster. It overshoots, wastes energy and makes the system short‑cycle.
- Heating unused space: R
- Running radiators in spare rooms or hallways without need reduces flow to the rooms you use.
- Running radiators in spare rooms or hallways without need reduces flow to the rooms you use.
- Blocked radiators:
- Sofas and long curtains act like insulation in the wrong place and trap heat against the wall.
- Sofas and long curtains act like insulation in the wrong place and trap heat against the wall.
- Ignoring trapped air:
- Gurgling radiators or a cold top and warm bottom mean air is blocking hot water. Efficiency drops until you bleed them.
- Gurgling radiators or a cold top and warm bottom mean air is blocking hot water. Efficiency drops until you bleed them.
- Never safely checking boiler pressure:
- A sealed system that sits too low on pressure struggles to circulate properly.
- A sealed system that sits too low on pressure struggles to circulate properly.
- High boiler flow temperature by default:
- Many condensing boilers are left at a very high flow setting all winter. Lowering the flow temperature to an efficient setting can cut consumption while keeping rooms comfortable. This is one of the reasons underfloor heating is becoming more popular in UK homes,” adds Damian from Underfloor Heating Hub. “UFH systems are designed to run efficiently at 35-45°C, compared to the 60-70°C most radiators need – so you get the efficiency benefits without sacrificing comfort.
- Many condensing boilers are left at a very high flow setting all winter. Lowering the flow temperature to an efficient setting can cut consumption while keeping rooms comfortable. This is one of the reasons underfloor heating is becoming more popular in UK homes,” adds Damian from Underfloor Heating Hub. “UFH systems are designed to run efficiently at 35-45°C, compared to the 60-70°C most radiators need – so you get the efficiency benefits without sacrificing comfort.
- Poor timing and control:
- Leaving heating on constant, or running the same schedule in every room, costs more than zoning and timed schedules.
- Leaving heating on constant, or running the same schedule in every room, costs more than zoning and timed schedules.
- Draughts and lost heat:
- Unsealed letterboxes, chimney draughts and bare loft hatches undo good heating work.
“With energy prices still high, every small improvement adds up,” said Jamie.
“Understanding how to get the best from your heating can make your home feel warmer and your bills lighter.
“It’s not about big, expensive upgrades, it’s about being smarter with what you already have.
“A few thoughtful adjustments can make this winter far more comfortable without the extra cost.”
