Contents
What we’ll cover…
- Damp and mould growth: An explanation of how insufficient heating can potentially lead to moisture troubles.
- Frozen pipes: A discussion surrounding the risks of frozen pipes and their potential to burst in cold temperatures.
- Health risks: An overview of potential health problems, including respiratory infections, from prolonged cold exposure.
- Importance of regular heating: An emphasis on the need to maintain a minimum level of warmth in the home.
- Practical heating tips: Suggestions to keep homes warm without incurring high energy costs.
Could not using your heating be damaging your home?
Energy prices continue to soar, and many Brits are struggling to pay energy bills and, in some cases, avoiding using their central heating radiators altogether.
While this cuts the cost of rising energy bills, there are several problems that could arise from not switching your heating on.
In light of this, we can reveal the most common problems to expect if a home is not adequately heated during the colder months.
From damp, mould, frozen pipes and – in some of the worst cases – health problems, these are the issues that could occur if you neglect to heat your home.
Damp and mould caused by not using heating
Mould is a pesky household issue caused from water not drying out properly and things staying damp due to homes being underheated or poorly venitalted.
Colder homes mean there’s a higher chance damp areas aren’t drying out; mould thrives in stagnant air, so it is important to keep rooms warm and well ventilated to reduce the amount of moisture in the air.
Make sure you allow fresh air to flow in your homes as frequently as possible.
This can be harder in the winter months as it is colder outside, so try opening windows for short periods rather than all at once.
Always remember to open windows when drying clothes inside too and never put wet clothes on the radiator as this pushes the boiler to work harder and can rack up energy bills.
Frozen pipes caused by not using heating
A drop in temperature can increase the risk of frozen pipes – a problem that is also caused by poorly insulated and unused pipes, that if left untreated will eventually begin to crack and burst.
If you suspect your pipes are frozen, the tell-tale signs to look out for include little to no water coming from taps or showers, exposed pipes appearing frosty or wet and damp patches on walls or ceilings.
If you spot these signs turn the water off at the valve (or stop-co*ck) and run the remaining water to relieve the pressure.
You can then temporarily mend the pipe with heavy duty tape but always refer to a qualified plumber to fix the issue.
Health problems from not using heating
Keeping the heating turned off for small periods of time is an effective way to save money, but if left off for too long the risk of nasty common colds increases.
A colder home heightens the risk of respiratory infections that consume the winter months as the immune system becomes less effective in lower temperatures. This notion is supported by findings from the National Institutes of Health.
There are simple ways to keep warm for less and that will help to avoid any health problems.
One of the biggest culprits for heat loss is from leaving doors open – the cosy preheated room is wasted and cold within a matter of minutes when the door is left open.
If you can still feel a draught, we recommend buying draught excluders as heat can be lost through gaps in the house.
With bills constantly rising, it is important to do all we can to keep our energy bills as low as possible but avoid turning off your heating altogether as this may cost more in the long run.
There are plenty of ways to make small savings without switching off the boiler, adding in thick rugs and curtains for extra insulation can shave a few pounds to keep a room heated for longer.
Take care when not using your heating
So, there we have it.
Although you may make savings on heating bills by not using your home’s central heating, you may run the risk of higher costs in future by damaging your property.
Though it may not save you as much money on your heating bills, it’s always a good idea to switch heating on in each room for around 30-60 minutes a day, or keep the temperature at a lower constant level by using thermostatic radiator valves to mitigate any problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leaving the heating off can be a contributory factor to minor health issues such as common colds, particularly in the colder winter months of the year. What’s more, the likelihood of mould increases when hot water radiators and central heating are left switched off, which can enhance the prospects of respiratory infections.
To learn more, browse our dedicated blog, The dangers of NOT using your heating.
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Mould can form in households where the heating is consistently left off, as it results from water failing to dry out properly, typically in spaces that are poorly ventilated or underheated. The process of leaving hot water radiators and central heating systems switched off increases the likelihood of these conditions occurring.
Damp areas fail to dry out as well in colder houses, so the best practice to avoid mould is to use heating systems to ensure the space is comfortably warm and properly ventilated.
To find out more, browse our blog, The dangers of NOT using your heating.
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Most commonly, issues with valves lead to radiators working as usual despite the heating being switched off. Especially in warm summer climes and with a massive emphasis placed on keeping energy bills as low as possible, the prospect of home radiators turning on whilst the central heating is switched off is unappealing.
The problem will typically stem from troubles with diverter valves or check valves, with the latter often associated with older boiler or central heating system models. For a more detailed insight on why radiators seem to switch on by themselves, and how to combat the problem, take a look at our dedicated blog; Why are my radiators getting hot when the heating is off?
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Jess Steele
Jess has a passion for interior design and wants to inspire people to look at radiators as home decor. She enjoys keeping on top of the latest design and heating trends to ensure the Advice Centre has all the information and inspiration homeowners need to make the best choice for them.
