Winter is now in full swing, with households relying on heating to stay warm and prevent issues like mould and condensation. Finding the perfect balance between heating and ventilation can be challenging, especially with concerns about rising energy bills. Experts at Your NRG have shared advice on how to maintain an optimal temperature to prevent mould while also saving on heating costs.
According to specialists, keeping your home’s thermostat above 14 degrees is crucial to preventing mould growth, especially in tiled rooms where a slightly higher temperature may be needed. Allowing temperatures to drop below this threshold can lead to damp conditions that are not only detrimental to your home’s structure but also to your health. However, there is no need to keep the heating on constantly to combat mould.
To achieve both efficiency and mould prevention, experts recommend programming your boiler to activate as needed, customising it to maintain your desired warmth level. Making strategic adjustments like this can lead to significant savings on energy bills, with even a one-degree reduction in thermostat settings potentially saving over £100 annually. The recommended household temperature range for comfort and cost-effective heating this winter is between 18 and 20 degrees.
To maximise the effectiveness of your radiators when heating is on, experts suggest utilising the side controls on most radiators to adjust the temperature. These thermostatic radiator valves, typically numbered from one to five (sometimes six), can help save energy when set correctly, with a starting recommendation of three or four. Additionally, bleeding your radiators annually to remove air bubbles that impede heating can also contribute to cost savings.
Overall, maintaining an appropriate thermostat setting, utilising radiator controls effectively, and bleeding radiators as needed can not only prevent mould growth but also help save money on energy bills during the winter months. By implementing these tips, households can strike a balance between warmth, cost-effectiveness, and mould prevention this season.