As winter sets in, households across the UK are turning up their central heating to stay warm, but experts warn that common mistakes could be adding hundreds of pounds to energy bills. Energy efficiency specialist Jamie Burns, from reliability firm Ailsa, says small bad habits can quietly waste significant amounts of money each year.
One of the biggest errors is heating unoccupied spaces, such as spare bedrooms or corridors. Burns advises switching off radiators in rooms that are not in use, as heating empty areas reduces the flow to rooms that need warmth. He also highlights poor timing and thermostat management, noting that running heating continuously or using the same schedule for every room is more costly than using zoning and timed programmes.
Another frequent issue is heat loss through unsealed letterboxes, chimney draughts, and bare loft hatches. Burns emphasises that with energy prices still high, every small improvement adds up. He says: '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.'
To avoid wasting money, households should ensure they only heat rooms they are using, set appropriate schedules for each area, and seal any draughts. By addressing these common mistakes, families can reduce their energy bills and stay warm efficiently.
