Common thermostat mistake could be why your home is always cold

If you're constantly cranking up the heat but still feel a chill in your home, there's a reason for that. Interior expert Chloe Barrow from explains that as winter's cold grip tightens, many Brits are heavily relying on their heating systems, only to still feel cold - so you're not alone.

Revealing an often-overlooked factor that could be preventing your home from staying warm, she said there's one thing you need to stop. Barrow stated: "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 done this and still feel cold, the expert pointed out another "hidden culprit is poorly insulated floorboards". While we often check our doors, this is another overlooked factor. She added: "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."

A lesser-known tip to keep your home warm is to avoid blocking your radiators with furniture and curtains, a "common mistake" many make. By doing so, these items can absorb a significant amount of heat that would otherwise circulate around the room.

It's recommended to rearrange your "furniture to leave a few inches between the radiator and nearby items, allowing heat to flow unimpeded".

According to Money Saving Expert's () blog on common energy myths, "rather than turning it on and off, it could be more efficient to lower temperatures to around 18C or 19C and keep it on (you could increase slightly during the day if you're cold, but don't let it dip below this) and have as low a 'flow temperature' (radiator temperature) as you can safely - 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".