As the colder season approaches, Brits are thinking about when to turn on the heating, with experts using the latest climate data to determine the precise date to adjust thermostats.
Better warm-upan online authority on heating, examined Met Office data from the past six years to see how much longer Brits can wait before turning on their heating for winter, while also dishing out some much-needed advice on how to cut our bills.
The NHS currently recommends turning on your heating when outside temperatures drop below 15°C for health reasons. Met Office data indicates that we may need to start using our heating from November 17th.
After this date, temperatures are not expected to rise above 15°C for the rest of the year.
That’s a change from last year’s October 20 boiler restart forecast, suggesting that by 2024, Britons could potentially delay heating their homes for almost another month.
Jess Steele, heating technology expert at BestHeating, comments: “While there is no ideal time to turn on your heating, our research shows that when temperatures are below 15°C, usually around October or November, it’s best to turn it on as we feel the coldest.
By the end of the month, even the hardiest among us will have the heating turned on to stay warm, as temperatures are forecast to drop even further.
“If it’s below 13°C outside, health problems can arise, especially for vulnerable people. With many worried about their finances, it can be tempting to put off turning on the heating, but be careful not to put it off for too long as it could harm your body. For those who are struggling, we recommend contacting your local council or energy supplier, as there are often grants and help available to keep you safe during the winter.”
To help Brits keep their radiators in good working order and keep bills as low as possible during the cold months, Jess has provided three essential pieces of advice. Here’s what they want you to know.
Only heat the room you are in
“One of the simplest mistakes people make during winter is heating an unused space. Make sure you turn off radiators in rooms that aren’t in use, such as bedrooms, during the day. The only caveat to this is not to turn off radiators in the room where the thermostat is located, or this could cause problems with the temperature in the rest of the house. Doing this will improve the efficiency of your boiler, allowing the rooms you’re in to heat up faster and saving you over £100 on heating if used daily.”
Lower the thermostat by one degree Celsius
“Research shows that by turning down the temperature in your home a little, you can make significant savings on your energy bills. 20.8°C is the average thermostat setting in the UK, but 18°C should keep you comfortably warm during the colder months. This could save you up to 10% on your fuel bill, or around £80. A smart way to assess whether your heating is too hot is to turn the thermostat down by one°C and see how you feel.”
Choose the best times of day to turn up the heat
“To keep bills down, be smart about when you turn on your heating. If the temperature is below 10°C, set it to come on an hour before your alarm to take the chill off. If you’re out all day, do the same in the evening. Anyone with a smart thermostat will be able to control their heating more easily, as they can ensure no energy is wasted when they’re working or shopping, and they can also set it to come back to a warm home, which is cost-effective.”