Heating just one room instead of the whole house:
these are the dangers

It might seem smart to heat just one room to save energy, but this can cause unexpected problems. This article explains why heating just one room isn't always a good idea and the risks it can entail.

Heating a single room: smart savings or risk?
Many people are looking for ways to reduce their energy costs, especially now that heating costs are rising. It might seem logical to heat just the living room, for example. Yet, experts warn that this "saving strategy" can actually be more expensive and unhealthier than expected. "If the doors are open, heat escapes to the cooler rooms. This forces the heater in the heated room to work harder because it has to heat a larger volume of air."

 

Risk of mold and health hazards.
Besides higher energy consumption, there's another important reason to heat more than one room: the risk of mold. In unheated rooms, walls and ceilings cool down faster, increasing the risk of mold growth. Mold can have harmful health effects, such as respiratory problems, allergies, and even asthma.
Mold spores in damp rooms are often responsible for these problems and can remain airborne for extended periods, which is especially dangerous for people with sensitive health.

 

The Consumers'
Association advises against heating just one room or keeping the entire house warm with just a few radiators. Excessive temperature differences of more than five degrees can quickly lead to damp problems and mold. This occurs especially when warm, moist air flows from a heated room to a colder one, where it condenses and leaves moisture.
Therefore, it's wise to heat all occupied rooms in the house, even if you don't use them intensively. For example, the Consumers' Association recommends keeping all living and sleeping areas at a minimum of 16 degrees during the winter. For small homes, such as a studio apartment, this can be different, and heating just the living area may be sufficient.

 

Keep doors tightly closed.
A final important tip: if you keep one room in your house warmer than others, always make sure the door to that room remains closed. This also applies when airing out the house.
By keeping doors closed between rooms with different temperatures, you prevent warm, moist air from seeping into cooler rooms.
This prevents moisture from condensing and causing mold.

 

Consider these tips carefully.
While it may seem tempting to save energy by heating just one room, this approach can ultimately prove costly. Keep the above advice in mind to avoid health problems and higher energy bills. What initially seemed like a smart way to save money can quickly turn into a source of problems.
Source: www.infovandaag.nl

By keeping the doors between rooms with different temperatures closed, you prevent warm, moist air from entering cooler rooms.
This prevents moisture from condensing and causing mold.

Source: http://www.infovandaag.nl