Heating hacks that may be costing you more money than turning your radiator on

31 December 2023 , 16:04

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Expert warns heating hacks can cause problems in the future for homeowners (stock image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

If you are thinking hard and long before you switch on your heating, and instead trying heating hacks to save money, you might want to reconsider.

It's important to keep your home warm, as turning your appliances off could actually cause costly damage to your home due to damp, moisture and condensation. This can not only cause damage to the structure of your property, but can also invalidate your home insurance.

It can be tempting for us to try out different home heating hacks to make sure there's no damp or condensation build-up - but doing so could void your home insurance, causing safety issues or result in higher heating bills,.

Conor Mulcahy at Quote Devil commented: "Always prioritise safety when it comes to your home and when in doubt, consult with professionals. Additionally, check with your insurance provider to understand the impact of any modifications on your coverage. Unauthorised or unsafe modifications may void your insurance policy and put your home at risk. There may be an option to opt for accidental cover for additional peace of mind."

Here are some of the heating hacks you should avoid, according to the expert.

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Home-made heating devices

Terracotta heaters are currently being promoted on TikTok with 2.2m views for the hashtag on the app. Quote Devil warns against trying this hack as the DIY heater is made from a terracotta plant and placing it upside down on burning candles could create a fire hazard, reports.

Makeshift devices can become hazards and carry safety risks, they also may go against safety standards.

DIY boiler fix

Cracking out your tools to fix your boil could be ideal if you can fix it without breaking the entire thing but it’s probably not the best option especially as these types of repairs should be carried out by licenced professionals. The boilertips hashtag on TikTok has over 2.9m views but repairs and maintenance on boilers and heating systems even though DIY attempts may void your warranty and house insurance policy.

Safe heating hacks

Seal draughts

Making sure to cover the cracks and seal any draughts around windows and doors will help you keep your home warm. Place draught excluders at the bottom of doors to prevent heat from escaping.

Insulate windows

Using thermal curtains can help heat from escaping through windows. Instead of traditional curtains you can use thermal curtains or add window film to improve insulation.

Install a programmable thermostat

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Programmable thermostats allow you to regulate the temperature in your home resulting in reduced energy usage.

Maximise sunlight

Keeping your curtains open throughout the day can help the sunlight into your home and keep it warm naturally.

Mariam Khan