As a bitter cold snap grips the UK, a common household dilemma has been officially resolved by Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert team. The long-standing debate over whether to keep interior doors open or closed to maintain warmth and save on energy costs has finally reached a verdict.
The Conclusive Verdict on Internal Doors
In a newly published guide designed to debunk widespread winter energy myths, the experts at MoneySavingExpert delivered a clear and practical answer. The most effective way to heat your home is to keep your internal doors closed, particularly those leading to rooms you are not actively trying to heat.
The science behind this advice lies in how most common heating systems operate. Devices like radiators, convection heaters, and heat pumps function by warming the surrounding air. This heated air naturally rises, circulates around the room, cools down, and then sinks back towards the floor to be reheated, creating a continuous loop known as a convection current.
By shutting the door, you contain this current within a single space, allowing it to work more efficiently and heat the room more effectively. This simple action also acts as a barrier, preventing colder air from other parts of the house from entering and chilling the warmed space.
Busting Other Costly Winter Myths
The MoneySavingExpert investigation didn't stop at doors. The team tackled several other persistent beliefs that could be costing Brits money. They posed and answered several quirky but common questions.
Should you paint your radiators black to improve efficiency? The definitive answer is no. Is it cheaper to microwave water for a hot drink rather than use a kettle? Again, the response is a firm no.
However, one unusual hack received a surprising endorsement. The guide confirmed that using cling film on windows can indeed help trap heat. The plastic film creates an additional insulating layer of air between the glass and the room, reducing draughts and heat loss.
Surprising Truths About Solar and Fans
Further myth-busting revealed that solar panels are not rendered useless during the winter months. Contrary to popular belief, solar panels collect daylight, not just direct sunlight, meaning they continue to generate energy even on overcast and dreary days.
The guide also addressed the cost of running an electric fan, though noted this advice is less seasonally relevant for winter. The implication was that their expense might be lower than many consumers assume.
This essential advice, compiled using information from the Energy Saving Trust and other specialist bodies, arrives at a critical time. With temperatures plummeting and energy bill caps on the rise, these evidence-based tips provide a vital resource for households across the country looking to stay warm without facing financial hardship this winter.
