Expert reveals common thermostat mistake that could leave your home chilly this winter

If you're constantly cranking up the heat but still feel a chill in your home, there could be a reason for that.

Interior expert Chloe Barrow from Laura James explains that as winter arrives, many Brits are heavily relying on their heating, only to still feel cold.

A key but often neglected aspect that could be hindering your home's warmth, she highlighted one habit. Chloe remarked: "Every year when the heating goes on you need to be revisiting your thermostat settings. This is a time many of us in the home and interiors industry know about, but it's so often forgotten or not considered by the general public.

"Make sure to set a consistent, moderate temperature rather than constantly adjusting. A smart thermostat can offer more precise control, helping you maintain a comfortable temperature without using excessive energy."

If you've adjusted your thermostat and still feel a chill, the expert identified another "hidden culprit is poorly insulated floorboards".

While doors are commonly checked for draughts, this potential issue may go unnoticed. She continued: "To test for draughts, run a hand along gaps in your wooden floorboards. If you notice a chill, applying draught-proofing tape or sealant can be an inexpensive fix. For larger gaps in floorboards, consider using a floor filler or draught excluder to prevent cold air from seeping in."

Another less obvious suggestion for retaining heat in your home is to ensure radiators aren't obscured by furniture and curtains, which she described as a "common mistake".

These items can soak up a lot of heat that should be spreading through the room. It's advised to rearrange "furniture to leave a few inches between the radiator and nearby items, allowing heat to flow unimpeded", reports the Express.

According to Money Saving Expert's (MSE) blog on common energy myths, rather than turning it on and off, it could be more efficient to set your thermostat to lower temperatures such as 18 or 19C and keep the heating on.

The blog adds: "it'll mean your heating system won't be as responsive, but as it's on constantly, this won't be as big an issue".

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