Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert advisers reveal the radiator clothes drying risks that may force your boiler to work harder, reduce boiler efficiency and push up energy bills – here’s their spring heating advice and what to do instead.
With households constantly switching between “summer mode” and “winter mode”, everyday practices such as turning the heating on and off to dry damp washing on radiators during rainy periods could be inflicting considerable damage on your home.
One moment it’s 10°C and pouring with rain, the heating is back on and soggy school uniforms and towels are draped over radiators, while the next, temperatures climb and boilers are switched off entirely — only to be fired up days later when another cold snap arrives.
The pattern is being fuelled partly by cost-conscious households attempting to avoid running heating continuously during spring, instead relying on brief bursts of warmth when the weather improves. And many are unwittingly making the situation worse.
Drying washing on radiators during wet weather might appear harmless, but it forces boilers to work harder for longer while trapping moisture indoors, increasing the risk of damp and condensation.
Experts also warn that poor ventilation when drying laundry inside can contribute to mould growth around windows, walls and ceilings, as well as driving up energy bills — particularly if people forget to switch the heating off afterwards, reports the Express.
Martin Lewis’ Money Saving experts have advised that heat isn’t really what your washing needs to dry faster — it’s ventilation. Alex said: “Quite surprisingly, people used to wash and dry clothes before the invention of Gas Central heating. For example, in my parents’ small upper storey Council flat in the 1950’s and 60’s where only one room was heated… by a coal fire.
“Ventilation is the key; the landlord won’t thank you for damp, mouldy growth on walls, round windows or in cold corners caused by excess humidity, even if you don’t mind breathing mould spores!”
Another said: “I use a dehumidifier, put the clothes on an airer in the bathroom, put the leccy towel heater on and the humidifier and they dryer quickly. In the summer, just open the bathroom window but don’t dry the clothes in your living room or bedroom!”
Britain’s erratic and unpredictable weather is placing boilers under considerable strain months before winter has even arrived, heating specialists BOXT have cautioned. They warn that the volatile May weather is placing additional pressure on domestic heating systems throughout the country.
Repeated stop-start usage can trigger pressure issues, trapped air, sludge accumulation and general deterioration — problems that many homeowners won’t become aware of until their heating is required full-time come winter.
A great many households are also unwittingly compounding the strain by continually adjusting their thermostats as temperatures fluctuate dramatically within the space of just a few hours. Adam Knight, lead Gas Safe engineer at BOXT said: “A lot of people assume boilers only come under pressure in winter, but these stop-start weather patterns can actually be just as tough on heating systems.
“We’re seeing households flick the heating on for an hour in the morning, turn it off during warmer afternoons, then fire it back up again when temperatures drop.
“Add in wet washing draped over radiators and boilers are suddenly working much harder than people realise.
“The problem is that many faults stay hidden and can build up through spring and summer, only becoming obvious when the heating is needed every day in winter.
“That’s when we tend to see the consequences of pressure issues, trapped air or sludge build-up that’s been developing unnoticed for months.”
Specialists say spring and summer present the ideal opportunity to identify potential issues before they escalate into expensive winter breakdowns.
Common warning signs your boiler may be struggling include – radiators taking longer to warm up; inconsistent heat throughout the property; gurgling, banging or whistling sounds; boiler pressure repeatedly falling; heating cutting out unexpectedly; fluctuating hot water temperatures.
Identifying these issues early could help households sidestep costly emergency callouts during the winter months. The experts recommend against relying on radiators to dry clothes. Drying laundry on radiators can place excessive strain on your heating system and lock moisture indoors. Instead, opt for a heated airer, a dehumidifier or run an additional spin cycle before hanging garments up.
Check your boiler pressure now — not in October. Low boiler pressure is amongst the most frequent issues engineers encounter after boilers remain idle then abruptly restart.
Most boilers should maintain between 1 and 2 bar pressure. Similarly, arrange a boiler service ahead of the winter rush. Summer and early autumn appointments are typically easier — and more affordable — to secure than emergency winter call-outs when temperatures drop.
Bleed radiators before the cold weather arrives. Cold patches or gurgling sounds can indicate trapped air, reducing your heating’s efficiency and compelling boilers to work harder.
Finally — don’t dismiss unusual noises. Banging, whistling or ‘kettling’ sounds may suggest sludge accumulation or circulation issues developing within the system.
