The exact date you should turn on your heating and why it's different this year
The kids are back to school, the nights are drawing in and we've already switched our iced coffee for a pumpkin spiced latte. It's little wonder, therefore, why we're also beginning to consider when we should turn the heating back on.
Whether you've already swapped your summer tees for a cosy cardie or you plan on holding out a little longer to get a boost of warmth from your radiators, deciding when to crank up the central heating is the divider of people.
Throw in a cost of living crisis and an energy price cap rise and it's easy to see why choosing the right moment to turn on the heating is such a significant decision.
While there is always a debate, those wanting to save a few more pennies may be relieved to know that this year's expert-suggested date is later than anticipated.
In fact, 2024 marks the latest start in five years due to a predicted forthcoming heatwave.
Using Met Office data compiled from the past six years, online heating specialists BestHeating have pinpointed November 17th as the correct date homeowners should plan to turn their heating back on.
"Once temperatures outside drop below 15° Celsius (C) the NHS advises to put heating on for health reasons, which means that in line with Met Office data, the date we can expect to use our heating is November 17th," the experts advise.
From this date, temperatures aren’t expected to rise above 15°C for the rest of the year.
When comparing to last years prediction of the end of October as the date to put the boiler back to work, the data shows that Brits are likely to be able to hold off for almost a month longer in 2024.
“Whilst there isn’t an optimum time to switch heating on, our research shows that once temperatures are below 15°C, often around October or November, it is best to turn the heating on as we feel the chill more," Jess Steele, heating technology expert at BestHeating comments.
By the end of the month, Steele predicts 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 health issues can arise, especially in vulnerable people," she explains.
"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 could harm. your health. 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.”
If you are looking to cut costs, there are plenty of clever heating hacks you can put into practice to help you save money this winter.
Only heat the room you are in
One of the simplest mistakes people make during winter is heating an unused space. "Make sure to turn radiators off in rooms that are not in use such as bedrooms throughout the day," advises Steele.
"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."
Steele says 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.
Turn the thermostat down by one degree Celsius
Research shows that by reducing a home's temperature by a little, good savings can be made on energy bills.
"20.8°C is the average thermostat setting in the UK, but 18°C should keep you comfortably warm throughout the colder months," explains Steele. "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."
Choose the best times of day to blast the heating
To keep bills low, Steele suggests being clever with when your heating is turned on.
"If the temperature is going to be lower than 10°C, set it to come on an hour before your alarm to take away the chill," she says. "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.”
Read more about saving money:
How to save £900 on food a year, according to an expert (Yahoo Life UK, 9-min read)
Mum saves £26k buying everything second hand, even nappies for her kids (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
How 'loud budgeting' can help you talk openly about money in relationships (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
