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How do others cope with central heating

Alice70 profile image
15 Replies

Hi ,cold and heat affects my breathing so much ,the heat more than the cold ,my central heating is set at 21 degrees really not hot enough for me as I am a cold person ,so I wear extra cardigan ,the trouble is as soon as the temperature reaches 21 central heating goes of then on agian untill temperature reaches 21 ,when temp goes down agian I get really cold ,and this affects my breathing so much ,I am wondering would it be better to leave central heating on constant at maybe a lower setting ,I am interested to no how others cope with central heating ,and at what temp they use ,and is it better to leave central heating on constant

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Alice70
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15 Replies
Spacecat1 profile image
Spacecat1

We have ours on constant during the day but if it starts to affect my breathing then we turn it down

I tend to snuggle with a hot water bottle. I cannot stand heat overnight so we turn it right down I tend to wear an old cardigan in bed so i stay warm. Heating dose affect me.

Alice70 profile image
Alice70 in reply to Spacecat1

Yes I think I would prefer constant low heat

It depends on what type of central heating system you have Alice. But whatever, it doesn't do to skint on heating when we are oldish and not well. I think I'd wind yours up to at least 23 to take account of the off periods not dropping below your 21. 😉

Alice70 profile image
Alice70 in reply to

I'm going to try this Don thank you

peege profile image
peege

My thermostat is set to 17.5°, the boiler is set on low too. While its so cold it rarely switches itself off. The last couple of evenings I've lit the fire in the sitting room as it's been freezing outside.

I like to stick to a steady temperature rather than having it go on & off. P

Alice70 profile image
Alice70 in reply to peege

Yes I think I would rather stick to steady low heat

peege profile image
peege in reply to Alice70

Mind you I've got the thermostat in an unheard room so it doesn't reach 17.5 therefore it doesn't switch off. When the bedroom is heated for famy then I put the stat on the cold window ledge.

powderpuff profile image
powderpuff

Ideally the heating on with a window open would suit me best, but with global warming I’m really not comfortable doing that.

Instead, my heating is timed to come on at various times just for 2 hours which I find works well & avoids a heat build up as well as sob/coughing.

If you have radiators, thermostatic valves can be fitted which go some way in keeping the heat more constant.

Alice70 profile image
Alice70 in reply to powderpuff

Thanks powderpuff

Our thermostat is set to 20, but we don't have a fire so rely on the radiators all the time. Could you get a halogen heater to switch on and sit close to it during the times your heating is 'resting'? They are quite economical. We have a couple which rotate to spread the heat around.

oceanlighting.co.uk/heating...

amazon.co.uk/TOOL-GENIUS%C2...

Alice70 profile image
Alice70 in reply to

Thanks for this PG ,something to think about

Damon1864 profile image
Damon1864Volunteer

I have no fire only radiators so mine is set at 20, when I get too hot I turn it off for a while. My radiators are all set to 3, so it's just right. Hope this helps have a lovely day and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette xx

Alice70 profile image
Alice70 in reply to Damon1864

Thank you Bernadette, I must get my heating sorted one way or another

Superzob profile image
Superzob

All central heating operates on an off/on basis, like irons - it's called hysteresis. When the room reaches the temperature you set the thermostat on, the boiler will switch off; however, there is then a lag before the bimetal strip in the thermostat resets itself and turns the boiler back on again - the temperature normally drops about 1C before switching back on.

It is important to realise that the system detects the temperature at the point where the thermostat is; other parts of the room can be at quite different temperatures (we have a temperature gradient of about 2C across the room). Therefore, you might have to alter the thermostat temperature to take account of the actual temperature where you are in the room. Also, I would prefer a temperature of 20.5C, but my digital thermostat only allows whole degree settings; consequently, 20C can seem too cold when the temperature has dropped to 19C (just before the thermostat switches the boiler back on), and 21C can seem too warm. You may be able to get an analogue thermostat which will enable you to set your preferred temperature more precisely.

Maximonkey profile image
Maximonkey

Hi Alice70, I think you should turn up the thermostat to 22deg and use the hot water bottle to keep you feeling toasty. If you do not leave the house the rooms will be short on oxygen and the atmosphere will be dry. To counteract this you should have a glass/container of water near the radiator to moisten the air and if you cannot open a window (even a little will help) buy some oxygenating plants. You do not have to spend a lot, spider plants are cheap and easy to buy, they will make a world of difference to your lounge and bedroom. They are easy to look after and also make the room look better. I have 6 plants in my lounge and 2 in my bedroom. I can go out and I am always pleased to come back home and find my flat is fresh and sweet smelling. Take care, the winter is a terrible time for us all. I hope the plants help. Maximonkey

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