This is the exact date you should turn off your heating this year to save money
With energy costs remaining high and the price cap adding pressure to household budgets, many are searching for ways to reduce their heating bills.
One expert has revealed the best time to turn off your heating this year and said switching it off too soon to cause damage to your property.
According to Gordon Wallis, a renewable heating specialist at Your NRG, the optimal time to make the change is when the clocks go forward and British summer time begins – this year falling on March 30.
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This date, coupled with rising spring temperatures, strikes the perfect balance between comfort and cost savings.
Gordon said: "With energy prices remaining a concern for many households, knowing when to turn off your heating can make a big difference to your bills. While the exact date may vary for each household, a sensible guideline is to consider switching off around the time the clocks go forward at the end of March.
"This transition to British summer time often signals the start of warmer days, reducing the need for central heating."
Gordon also recommended a phased approach to turning off your heating, rather than making abrupt changes.
He explained: "Rather than turning your heating off all at once, I suggest gradually lowering your thermostat by 1C each week as temperatures improve. Not only does this help ease the transition to warmer weather, but it can also reduce your heating costs by up to 10 percent for every degree lowered.
For households relying on heating oil, Gordon advises timing your usage carefully to avoid running low during periods of high demand.
"If you use heating oil, it’s worth planning your usage to coincide with milder weather. By the time spring arrives, you can reduce or turn off your heating, which not only conserves your supply but also saves on the cost of topping up when prices are often at their peak during colder months."
The experts warned against switching off heating too soon, as this could lead to costly issues for your home. Having no heating in colder temperatures can result in problems like damp, mould, and even frozen pipes.
Gordon added: "These issues can lead to expensive repairs. Keeping your home at a consistent, safe temperature until conditions improve is a practical way to protect both your property and your energy budget."
