Our Home Heating Hacks

Introduction

As temperatures drop, staying warm without skyrocketing energy bills becomes a challenge for us all. Whether you’re working from home or enjoying cosy nights in, finding efficient ways to heat your home is essential during the colder months. One of the most overlooked factors affecting heating costs is humidity. High humidity levels can make it harder to warm your home, leading to higher energy consumption. In this guide, we’ll explore how controlling humidity can make heating your home easier and more affordable, while also sharing some practical tips and products that can help.

How Does Humidity Affect Heating?

Humidity plays a crucial role in the efficiency of your heating system. When your home has high humidity, the air feels colder, making it harder to heat. The moisture in the air can also affect insulation and energy efficiency, causing your heating system to work harder. Lowering the humidity in your home can make it feel warmer, allowing you to use less energy and lower your heating bills.

How to Control Humidity in Your Home

• Use a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier can help reduce moisture in the air, making your home feel warmer and more comfortable. By drawing out excess humidity, the air becomes drier, which allows your heating system to work more efficiently.
• Ventilate your home regularly: Proper ventilation is key to keeping humidity levels in check. Open windows when cooking or showering, or use extractor fans to let the moisture escape. This can help prevent condensation from building up, which can contribute to high humidity and make your heating system less effective.
• Tackle condensation with a Window Vac: One of the main culprits of high humidity in the home is condensation on windows. A window vac is perfect for quickly clearing moisture from your windows, preventing dampness from lingering in your home. By keeping your windows clear of condensation, you’ll help lower humidity and improve the overall efficiency of your heating. See our full guide on how to tackle condensation on your windows.
• Use heating wisely: While heating your home, it's important to focus on maintaining a consistent temperature. Instead of turning up the thermostat drastically, try using a fan heater to quickly warm up a room while also reducing humidity. This will allow you to regulate the temperature without having to rely too heavily on your central heating.

How to Bleed a Radiator

1. Turn off your heating system and allow your radiators to cool.
2. Locate the bleed valve. It’s usually at the top corner, but check your specific radiator model if you’re unsure.
3. Prepare by placing a cloth or small container underneath the bleed valve to catch any drips.
4. Open the bleed valve by inserting the radiator key or screwdriver into the valve and turning slowly in an anticlockwise direction.
5. You’ll begin to hear a hissing sound as trapped air escapes. Once water starts to trickle out, turn the valve clockwise to close it.

Repeat the process for all radiators that need bleeding. Regular radiator maintenance helps your heating system run efficiently, keeping your home warm during the colder months.

Money-Saving Heating Tips

Reducing humidity and maintaining your heating system can make a big difference in lowering energy costs. Here are some additional tips to help you save money on your heating bills:

• Turn your thermostat down by one degree: A simple change that can save you up to 10% on your heating bill each year.
• Invest in energy-efficient heaters: Products like a smart heater can provide efficient and controllable heating, saving you money while keeping your home warm.
• Dry laundry on a heated airer: Instead of using a tumble dryer, use a Beldray heated airer. Check out our full guide on indoor clothes drying.
• Stop draughts: Close curtains and seal drafts to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering. Draught-proofing can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and cost.

Conclusion

Staying warm and saving money this winter doesn't have to be a challenge. By understanding how humidity affects your home’s heating efficiency, you can keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank. Beldray offers a range of products to help you manage humidity and maintain an energy-efficient home. Explore our full range of home heating solutions here to make your home more comfortable this winter!