As winter tightens its grip and households across the UK reach for the thermostat, experts are warning that a widespread heating error is silently draining hundreds of pounds from family budgets each year.
The Costly Heating Habits Hitting Your Wallet
With energy prices remaining stubbornly high, efficiency is paramount. However, energy efficiency specialist Jamie Burns from reliability firm Ailsa cautions that many Brits are unknowingly committing common blunders that send their bills soaring.
"Most of us think we're being smart with our heating, but a few small bad habits can quietly waste hundreds of pounds each year," Burns warned in early December 2025. "Getting to know how your system really works can make a huge difference to both comfort and cost."
Are You Heating Empty Rooms?
One of the most frequent and costly mistakes identified is heating unoccupied spaces. This includes spare bedrooms that are rarely used or hallways that people merely pass through.
Running radiators in these vacant areas not only wastes energy but can also reduce heat flow to the rooms where warmth is actually needed. The simple fix, as highlighted by Burns in reports featured by the Express, is to remember to turn off the radiators in any room that is not in use.
Mastering Your Thermostat and Timings
Another area where households lose money is through poor scheduling. Leaving the heating on constantly or using the same schedule for every room in the house is far less efficient than implementing zoning and timed programmes.
Burns advises tailoring your heating to your lifestyle. If certain zones of your home don't require warmth, ensure those radiators are off and excluded from the heating schedule entirely. For the rooms you are heating, the next critical step is ensuring that precious warmth doesn't escape.
Common culprits for heat loss include unsealed letterboxes, draughty chimneys, and bare loft hatches. Addressing these draughts is a low-cost way to retain heat and improve efficiency.
Smarter Heating for a Warmer Winter
Jamie Burns emphasises that significant savings don't necessarily require expensive new boilers or insulation. Often, it's about using your existing system more intelligently.
"With energy prices still high, every small improvement adds up," he explained. "Understanding how to get the best from your heating can make your home feel warmer and your bills lighter. It's not about big, expensive upgrades; it's about being smarter with what you already have."
A few thoughtful adjustments to your routine and a quick check for draughts can lead to a more comfortable winter without the burden of unexpectedly high energy costs. By avoiding these common pitfalls, UK households can take greater control of their winter spending.
