Following these steps could save your energy bills
Drying clothes on radiators traps the heat and makes your heating less efficient(Image: Getty)
UK households are being advised to avoid a common radiator mistake this winter that can significantly increase energy bills.
Heating homes during the colder months can be costly, especially after Ofgem raised its energy price cap by 2% in October, impacting over seven million households on standard energy tariffs.
This hike means the average energy bill for households in England, Scotland and Wales paying by direct debit for gas and electricity has risen to £1,755, up from £1,720.
However, the price cap only sets the maximum rate per unit and standing charge that suppliers can impose for energy use – it doesn’t dictate the total bill, so those who consume more energy will inevitably pay more.
Although the price cap doesn’t affect households on fixed tariffs, it’s still beneficial to reduce costs where possible, and one simple method is to avoid drying clothes on radiators during the winter months.
Drying laundry can be challenging during this season due to the cold and often damp weather, leading many to hang their washing indoors.
While radiators can expedite the drying process, placing clothes directly onto them traps heat, making your heating less efficient.
Moreover, it can also have expensive implications for your energy bill as it forces your boiler to work harder and longer to maintain the desired room temperature, resulting in higher costs.
Specialists at Only Radiators state: “When you’re drying clothes on a radiator, you’re really just blocking the radiator from heating the room. The plug – your wet clothing – gets a huge amount of heat but your room stays cold,” reports the Express.
“Your radiator, even without a thermostatic valve, is trying to reach a certain temperature. Yet you’re plugging the upstream heat of your whole system. Your boiler then has to struggle to heat the room using a radiator whose convection cycle is blocked.
“Your radiator is rendered completely inefficient and it’s costing you mega-bucks. The central heating hates it and your bank account isn’t any better off either.”
Placing wet garments straight onto radiators can also result in elevated humidity levels within your property, moisture build-up on windows, and potentially harm the radiator itself. The additional moisture in the atmosphere can trigger health issues as it provides perfect conditions for mould and mildew growth.
Specialists at Radiators Direct explained: “Increased indoor humidity from drying clothes on radiators often leads to condensation on windows and walls. This damp environment is a perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew, which can damage your home and pose serious health risks.
“Prolonged exposure to mould spores can irritate the respiratory system and worsen conditions such as eczema. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs to remove mould and restore affected surfaces.”
To avoid this, experts suggest using an airer to dry your clothes as it allows for better airflow. They recommend placing the airer in a warm, well-ventilated area of your home.
Heated towel rails can also be used as they provide good airflow and reduce drying time. Wrapping wet clothes in a dry towel before hanging them up can also speed up the drying process by absorbing excess water.
The specialists at UK Radiators warn: “While it may seem convenient to dry your clothes on a radiator, it’s not a recommended practice due to the potential health risks, including mould growth. Additionally, it can lead to higher energy bills as radiators are designed for room heating, not clothes drying.”
They further advise: “Instead, consider using towel rail radiators or traditional drying racks, which provide better airflow and efficient drying without compromising your health or increasing energy consumption.”
