As the weather outside turns colder and wetter, many people will be looking for alternatives to hanging their clothes on the line to dry. But one popular method could be costing you money.
A plumber has warned that by putting your damp clothes on the radiator to dry after washing them you are unnecessarily increasing your energy bills, RSVP Live reports. And that could be a bigger issue than ever this year as households struggle to deal with the cost-of-living crisis.
Jordan Chance at PlumbNation said: “We would recommend that you stop using your radiators to dry your clothes. The clothes that you place over the top of your radiators prevent the heat from escaping and heating your room, meaning that your boiler has to pick up the slack and work at a greater rate - increasing costs.”
And that is not the only reason to stop drying your clothes on radiators. Doing so can have a detrimental effect on your home and ultimately your health as well.
"The increase in the air’s moisture can create condensation, leading to potential issues with mould and dampness,” Jordan added.
Another thing that could be blocking heat from getting into your home is a radiator cover. Some people use covers for aesthetic reasons, but they can stop your radiators from doing their job effectively.
Jordan said: “If you have a radiator cover make sure to check that it is a good conductor of heat. Radiator covers made from materials such as wood are poor conductors and can prevent heat from being dispersed effectively - wasting energy and money.
“Also, if your radiator cover has a solid top then you may be losing even more heat, as it will be absorbed by the top of the cover.”
And Jordan added that it's important to bleed your radiator if air has entered the system. Bleeding your radiator ensures it is running as efficiently as possible.
“The quickest way to check if air has entered your heating system is to turn your central heating on and feel your radiator," Jordan said. “If the radiator is warm at the bottom but cold at the top this is generally a sign that air is present.”
