Households in Britain warned not to put heating on at night
Although it may seem counterintuitive with the onset of cold winter nights, households are being advised against leaving their heating on overnight. According to heating experts, sleeping with the heating on can pose health risks.
As the weather gets colder, especially for those with young children or the elderly who feel the cold more intensely, Brits are gradually turning on their heating throughout September. However, heating experts recommend running the heating before bedtime rather than leaving it on while asleep.
The reason for this is that leaving the heating on can dry out the humidity in a room, leading to sore throats, colds, coughs, and other illnesses. Gordon Wallis, a heating expert at Your NRG, stated: "Leaving the heating on overnight might seem like a cosy solution, but it can lead to a host of financial and health-related issues. Aside from the obvious increase in energy bills, leaving the heating on will increase the chance of mould from the trapped moisture in the air."
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"Dry air from prolonged heating can also result in a stuffy room, making it harder to breathe comfortably. This can lead to dry throats and coughs, affecting the overall sleep experience. Excessive heating can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and itchiness. It's advisable to find a balance that ensures comfort without impacting your skin health."
"Shutting off the heating approximately half an hour before bedtime allows for gradually cooling your home, making for a comfortable sleep. If heating is still necessary at night, lower the temperature to 17 to 19oC to prevent overheating and better sleep quality.", reports The Express.
Mr Wallis further suggested that enhancing a property's insulation could be a solution to issues with cold houses during the night.
He stated: ""Even during the summer, many homeowners with lower EPC-rated homes may rely on heating systems to stay warm. The overwhelming statistic of over 8 million homes in England below band C in energy performance certificates highlights the challenges many face with inefficient heating systems and poor insulation.
"Investing in home improvements can help avoid these problems such as insulation upgrades, double-glazing, and draught-proofing will lessen heat loss and reduce the need for continuous heating, ultimately leading to cost savings and improved comfort for homeowners, regardless of the season."