September 28th 2024.
As the weather starts to cool down, many of us will begin to consider turning on the heating in our homes. Even though it's only September, there's a noticeable chill in the air, causing us to wonder when the optimal time is to switch on the heat.
Some people can't stand even the slightest bit of cold and will turn on their heating as soon as possible. Others, on the other hand, will try to tough it out and bundle up in extra layers in order to save money, especially as the Energy Price Cap is set to increase. Beginning on October 1, the unit rate for electricity will be 24.50p per kilowatt-hour, with a standing charge of 60.99p per day. Gas, on the other hand, will be charged at 6.24kWh and will now have a standing charge of 31.66p per day. This means that nearly 28.4 million households will see an increase of about £149 in their annual energy bills. This increase will be in effect from October 1 to December 31, as Ofgem reviews and sets a new cap every three months.
So, when is the best time to turn on the heating? And is there anything we should do beforehand? According to experts, there's no one correct answer. The Energy Saving Trust suggests keeping your home between 18˚C to 21˚C during the winter, while the World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 18˚C for healthy individuals. Therefore, when the temperature inside falls below this, it may be time to consider turning on the heat. However, many people prefer to wait until the clocks go back, which will be on Sunday, October 27 this year. British Gas, who supplies energy to around 7.53 million customers in the UK, reports that most of their customers tend to turn on their heating during the last week of October. They also suggest considering turning on the heat when the nighttime temperature consistently drops below 9C.
However, if you prefer to turn on your heating before then, there's no need to wait. Some people may hold off as long as possible in order to save money on their energy bills. But, if you do choose to turn on your heating earlier, there are a few things you can do to prepare. Engineer Joanna Flowers from British Gas recommends checking your boiler and heating system to make sure everything is in working order. Natalie Mathie from USwitch also suggests turning on your heating ahead of time to test its efficiency and to bleed any cold spots in your radiators. It's also a good idea to have your boiler serviced if it hasn't been done in the last 12 months, as a breakdown on a cold day can result in a longer wait for a call-out.
Do you have any energy-saving tips to share? Joanna from British Gas also gave some tips on how to save money on your heating bills. These include bleeding your radiators to release any trapped air, using draught excluders to seal any gaps around doors and windows, and turning off radiators in rooms that aren't being used. She also suggests avoiding placing furniture in front of radiators, as it can absorb heat and prevent it from warming up the room. Other tips include properly insulating water pipes, placing tin foil behind radiators to reflect heat, and using a smartphone to control the heating when you're away from home.
If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, there may be help available. Check if you're eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme and see if your energy supplier offers any assistance or grants. The British Gas Energy Trust also offers up to £1,500 per household and you don't need to be a customer to apply.
Do you have a story or tips to share about turning on your heating? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email] to get in touch. Stay warm and save money this winter!
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