Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
Experts suggest when to turn your heating off
Reading Time: 4 minutesWith energy bills increasing and many of us worrying about the daily costs of living, experts are suggesting we should turn off our heating by the end of March. The exact date? 27th March, the same day our clocks go forward, and British Summer Time begins.
The soaring costs may mean you are already turning your heating off, and instead, wrapping up as warm as you can. The heating may well only be coming on for a few hours a day, or only put on when it’s needed. But if your heating is set to come on automatically, it may be worth considering expert advice.
Central heating experts at PlumbNation have revealed their top tips to cut your heating bills and combat the rising prices.
Jordan chance
Jordan Chance, heating expert from PlumbNation says:
“Spring is just around the corner, and as the weather gradually begins to turn warmer, more and more people are keeping their heating on for shorter amounts of time. With the cost of living rising across the country, including higher energy price caps, many Brits will be feeling the financial squeeze. Although there is no single temperature at which you should turn your heating off, many aim for the time when clocks go forward, which this year falls on 27th March.
“While many may be waiting for the temperature to change, there’s no specific temperature at which you should be turning off your heating, as it will depend on how well insulated your home is. Well insulated homes will retain their heat even when temperatures are low into the early spring, but every home will be different.”
Jasmine birtles
Jasmine Birtles, founder and CEO of MoneyMagpie.com says:
“It’s handy to have a recommended date to turn off the central heating but with the vagaries of the British weather, and our own individual needs, no one needs to be strict about it. Sometimes you can have weeks in February that feel like spring and then snow in April, so even if 27th March is ‘recommended’ it doesn’t have to be a law! No one should have to shiver.
“You could use this date as a handy way to save money if you can manage during an April cold-snap to keep warm with blankets and hot water bottles, but if it’s too uncomfortable then just switch the heating on for a day or so here and there, or even just a few hours to take the chill off, to make sure you’re warm and healthy.”
top tips to save on your bills
The experts at PlumbNation have also provided some top tips to save money on your heating.
Upgrade your thermostat
Older models of thermostats can degrade over time, which may lead to delays in your boiler switching on, or your home being heated at a far higher temperature than required. Upgrading yours could provide greater accuracy, preventing wasted energy and saving you money.
Stop draughts
Preventing heat from escaping through unwanted gaps is one of the cheapest ways to save energy and money. Identify any problem areas in your home, where draughts are causing issues. These areas could include doors, windows, chimneys and floorboards. Block unwanted gaps by using draught-proofing strips around your windows and doors.
Add an extra layer
If you are able to walk around your home in shorts and a t-shirt in the middle of winter, your heating is on too high. Turn your thermostat down and put on a jumper! Adding clothing layers will insulate your body and make it easier to regulate your body’s temperature. The less your heating is on, and the lower your thermostat, the more money you will save.
Turn your Thermostat down
An excessive heating bill can be easily rectified with the ‘step-down’ challenge. Turn your heating down by just 1°C and you could save up to 10% on your heating bill annually. It is also important to avoid classic thermostat ‘faux pas’. Contrary to popular belief, turning up your thermostat does not heat up your room more quickly!
Clean Your Radiators
If you haven’t cleaned your radiators in a while – or ever – it’s time to do it! A build-up of dust not only affects your health and allergies, but your heating bill. Layers of dust in your radiator can prevent heat from escaping effectively, meaning your radiators will have to work harder to warm your room.
Bleed Your Radiators
Bleeding your radiator is essential to improve efficiency of your radiator. This is because air that’s entered your heating system will be removed. The quickest way to check if air has entered your heating system is to turn your central heating on. Feel your radiator. If the radiator is warm at the bottom but cold at the top this is a sign air is present.
Get Your Boiler Serviced
If your boiler is old, there’s a strong chance it won’t be working as efficiently as it once was. Defective boilers can increase your heating bill massively. This is because they need to work significantly harder to heat your home. Try to get your boiler serviced every 12 months to ensure that your boiler is running efficiently and safely.
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