The exact date to turn your heating on, according to an energy expert
Whether you're currently piling on the layers trying to hold out until it is officially winter or you've already given in to enjoying a cosy boost of warmth from your radiators, deciding when to put on the central heating is the divider of people.
Throw in a cost-of-living crisis and an energy price cap rise and deciding the right date to turn on the heating can be a significant decision. Thankfully, an energy expert tells us we've got a couple of weeks before we need to crank up the cosy. Until Monday 14 October, to be exact.
In order to be ready for the start of the UK’s 2024/2025 winter season on Saturday 21 December, Llewellyn Kinch, CEO and co-founder of MakeMyHouseGreen, recommends Brits turn on their heating in mid-October.
“Getting your heating boiler ready for the worst of winter, by using it, makes sense,” says Kinch. “October 14 leaves a bit of time before things get really cold to ensure that your central heating is working properly. This way, it can handle the challenges of the cold weather that lie ahead.
"Vulnerable people may need their heating on by October 14 anyway – especially in places that are more prone to cold weather."
Once we've taken the plunge and switched it on there are some ways to maximise the warmth, while saving the pennies.
"It’s easy to waste money on heat energy by having your central heating or storage heater on too high, or running them at the wrong times of day," explains Kinch. "But having your home heating on longer won’t necessarily mean you spend more money on heating.
Kinch says leaving your radiators on low for longer can actually save money because the house doesn’t get so cold, and therefore doesn’t require as much energy to warm up again.
There's also an average recommended heat setting and usage that offers the best balance between economy and warmth. “Set your thermostat between 18-21°C during the hours when you are in the house, and reduce it slightly at night or when you're away, to stay warm and save on energy bills,” advises Kinch.
How to be energy efficient when the heating's on
It's never been more important to smart about your heating. Here are 10 expert-backed tips on how to be energy efficient when the heating is on.
1. Upgrade your thermostat
The thermostat controls your home’s temperature by communicating with your boiler. Thermostats, particularly in older homes with older heating systems, can degrade over time, which can lead to delays in your boiler switching on, or your home being heated at much higher temperatures than required.
"Upgrading your thermostat could provide for greater accuracy in thermostat to boiler communication, preventing energy from being wasted, and saving you money," explains Jordan Chance, heating expert from PlumbNation.
2. Stop the draught
Stopping heat from escaping through unwanted gaps is one of the most effective ways to save energy and therefore money.
"To draught-proof your home, you need to primarily identify the 'problem areas' where draughts are causing issues, these could include doors, windows, chimneys and floorboards," explains Chance. "You can block unwanted gaps by using draught-proofing strips around your windows and doors, or flexible silicone-based filler to fill the gaps in your floorboards."
3. Put on another layer
Instead of heating your home to be warm enough to walk around in a T-shirt, turn your thermostat down and add an extra jumper. "Adding clothing layers will insulate your body and make it easier to regulate your body’s temperature," Chance says. "The more layers you wear, the less the heating will need to be on."
4. Smart soft furnishings
Soft furnishings, such as curtains and rugs, can help your home become more energy efficient. "If you have a carpeted home then it will naturally help to boost insulation. However, if you have hard flooring investing in some good quality materials, such as a plush rug, will help to prevent heat from being lost," Chance adds.
5. Try the ‘step-down’ challenge
Turn down your thermostat by 1C. "By doing this, you can save up to 10% on your heating bill," explains Chance. "Contrary to popular belief, turning up your thermostat does not heat up your room quicker. This method will only send your energy bills skyrocketing."
6. Clean your radiators
A build-up of dust isn't just bad for your health, it forces your radiators to work harder. "Layers of dust in your radiator can prevent heat from escaping effectively," says Chance.
7. Don't dry your washing on the radiator
This prevents the heat from escaping and heating your room, meaning that your boiler has to pick up the slack and work at a greater rate. "Similarly, the increase in the air's moisture can create condensation, leading to potential issues with mould and dampness," Chance adds.
8. Check radiator covers
If you have a radiator cover make sure to check that it is a good conductor of heat. "Radiator covers made from materials such as wood are poor conductors and can prevent heat from being dispersed effectively - wasting energy and money," Chance explains. "If your radiator cover has a solid top then you may be losing even more heat, as it will be absorbed by the top of the cover."
9. Bleed your radiators
Bleeding your radiator is essential in preventing the efficiency of your radiator from decreasing, as a result of air entering your heating system. "The quickest way to check if air has entered your heating system is to turn your central heating on and feel your radiator," Chance suggests. "If the radiator is warm at the bottom but cold at the top this is generally a sign that air is present."
10. Service your boiler
If your boiler is ageing and has seen better days, there’s a strong chance it won’t be working as efficiently as it once was. "Defective boilers can increase your heating bill massively as they will need to work harder to bring your home up to the desired temperature," Chance explains. He recommends getting your boiler serviced every 12 months (preferably before the winter season), to ensure that your boiler is running efficiently and safely.
Read more about saving money at home:
How to save £900 on food a year, according to an expert (Yahoo Life UK, 9-min read)
Money-saving expert shares easy way to slash cost of household item at supermarket (Daily Record, 2-min read)
19 Money-Saving Tips That Are Really Easy And People Swear By (Buzzfeed, 7-min read)
