Why does my home take ages to heat up? Here is what you need to know
If you feel like your home is always cold despite constantly turning up the heating, there is a reason for this. According to interior expert Chloe Barrow from Laura James, as the chill of winter takes hold, people across the UK are relying heavily on their heating systems, only to still feel a persistent cold in their homes – so you’re not alone.
Shedding light on an often-overlooked factor that could be keeping your home from staying cosy, she said that there is one thing you need to do to prevent this from happening. Barrow explained: “Every year when the heating goes on you need to be revisiting your thermostat settings. This is a time many of us in the home and interiors industry know about, but it’s so often forgotten or not considered by the general public.
“Make sure to set a consistent, moderate temperature rather than constantly adjusting. A smart thermostat can offer more precise control, helping you maintain a comfortable temperature without using excessive energy.”
If you’ve done this, the expert said that another “hidden culprit is poorly insulated floorboards”. Whilst we often check our doors, this is yet another overlooked factor. The expert further added: “To test for draughts, run a hand along gaps in your wooden floorboards. If you notice a chill, applying draught-proofing tape or sealant can be an inexpensive fix. For larger gaps in floorboards, consider using a floor filler or draught excluder to prevent cold air from seeping in.”
In yet another little-known factor, you need to ensure you are not blocking your radiators with furniture and curtains – and this is a “common mistake”. If you do this, these household items can absorb a significant amount of warmth that would otherwise circulate through the room. Try rearranging your “furniture to leave a few inches between the radiator and nearby items, allowing heat to flow unimpeded.”
In fact, according to Money Saving Expert’s (MSE) Common energy myths busted blog, “rather than turning it on and off, it could be more efficient to lower temperatures to around 18 or 19°C and keep it on (you could increase slightly during the day if you’re cold, but don’t let it dip below this) and have as low a ‘flow temperature’ (radiator temperature) as you can safely – it’ll mean your heating system won’t be as responsive, but as it’s on constantly, this won’t be as big an issue”.
