It might be unseasonably warm outside, but winter is, in fact, coming.
With it comes those dreaded heating bills, but no matter how much you may want to resist the cold as long as possible, it’s healthier to give in and switch that heating on when the temperatures get too low.
The NHS says we should put our heating on when outside temperatures sink below 15°C, and recommends that it’s at least 18°C in the rooms you use on a regular basis, like your bedroom and living room.
So when might we begin turning on the heating this year, and how can you save money when you do?
Here is what you need to know.
When to turn your heating on in the UK
Online heating specialist BestHeating has analysed Met Office weather data from the past five years to determine that the date we can expect to start switching our radiators on in the UK is October 20, 2023.
This is the day from which the data suggests temperatures probably won’t reach above 15°C for the rest of the year
Although, with that being said, 2022 was an abnormally warm year, with temperatures hitting as high as 23°C on October 29th – so you never know.
Jess Steele, heating technology expert at BestHeating, said: ‘Whilst there isn’t an optimum time to switch heating on, our research shows that once temperatures are below 15°C, usually in the middle of October, it is best to turn the heating on as we feel the chill more. By the end of the month, even the hardiest among us will have our heating on to keep warm as temperatures are predicted to drop further.
‘If it is below 13°C outside then serious health issues can arise, especially in vulnerable people. With many worried about their finances, it can be tempting to hold off putting the heating on but be careful delaying this too long as this can hurt your body.
‘For those struggling, we recommend contacting your local council or energy supplier as there are often grants and help available to keep you safe throughout winter.’
How to save on winter heating bills
Looking to save a bit of money this winter, but don’t know how to keep your heating bills down?
Jess has shared three top tips…
Turn the thermostat down by one degree Celsius
Jess recommends testing the water one degree at a time.
‘Research shows that by reducing a home’s temperature by a little, good savings can be made on energy bills,’ she said. ‘20.8°C is the average thermostat setting in the UK, but 18°C should keep you comfortably warm throughout the colder months.
‘This can save up to 10% on a fuel bill or an estimated £80. A clever way to assess if the heating is too warm is to turn the thermostat down by one °C and see how you feel.’
Only heat the room you are in
This way, you’re using as little energy as possible, but still feeling the benefits.
‘One of the simplest mistakes people make during winter is heating an unused space,’ Jess explained. ‘Make sure to turn radiators off in rooms that are not in use such as bedrooms throughout the day.
‘The one caveat to this is not to turn the radiators off in the room where the thermostat is located, or it could cause issues with the temperature of the rest of the home. Doing this will improve the boiler’s efficiency, allowing rooms you are in to warm quicker and saving over £100 for heating if used daily.’
Choose the best times of day to blast the heating
You should also be picking and choosing the optimum heating times for your routine.
‘If the temperature is going to be lower than 10°C,’ Jess instructed, ‘set it to come on an hour before your alarm to take away the chill. If you are out all day, then do the same in the evening.
‘Anyone with a Smart thermostat will be able to control their heating more easily, as they can make sure there is no wasted energy when out at work or shopping and can also set it so that they return to a warm house that is cost-effective.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE : Energy bills ‘will rise by £73 to £1996 per year’ in January
MORE : Labour says its got key to £200,000,000,000 to make UK a clean energy superpower
