Experts explain when to turn on heating for savings.

Optimal time to turn on heating

According to The Sun: As the cold weather approaches and the October ceiling price cap on energy looms, Britons are once again wondering when it is worth turning on the heating.

The right timing can significantly impact the comfort of your home and your expenses.

Heating expert at Electric Radiators Direct, Steven Hankinson, shared tips on how to properly balance warmth and energy savings this autumn.

“NHS recommends turning on heating when the outside temperature drops to 15 degrees.”

“This usually begins in September, so now is the perfect time to prepare and set your heating schedule.”

He also noted: “The coldest part of the day is usually just before sunrise. A short burst of heating from 6:30 to 7:30 AM can reduce the chill without wasting extra energy. This sets your home up for the new day.”

However, if your home is prone to condensation, it may be more reasonable to maintain a low level of heat throughout the day. This can help prevent moisture buildup on walls and windows.

Recommendations for heating usage

In the evening, Steven advises turning on heating from 5 PM to 9 PM, when temperatures drop and people are usually at home.

“A south-facing home receives natural sunlight during the day, allowing you to postpone turning on heating in the evening.”

“But if your home faces north and does not receive sunlight, it may be worth turning on heating earlier and for longer.”

To maximize efficiency, Steven recommends setting the thermostat between 18 and 21 degrees.

“Instead of constantly adjusting the temperature, a steady value is more economical.”

It is known that in the evening it is considerably more advantageous to simply turn off heating.

“A warm blanket or extra covers is usually all you need for a comfortable stay.”

According to him, “there’s no point in heating an empty house during the day - set the system to turn on only just before you return.”

Saving on heating bills

Lowering the thermostat by at least one degree can save about £90 a year, according to Energy Saving Trust data.

However, by reducing your boiler flow temperature and adjusting thermostatic valves in individual rooms, you could save an additional £180 a year on energy bills.

Several tips for savings:

• Turning off appliances on standby can save £45 a year.
• Turning off lights in unneeded rooms - another £7.
• Washing clothes at 30 degrees - another £12 saved.
• Always run the dishwasher only when it's full - this is another £12 savings.
• Boil only the amount of water needed and install a faucet aerator - that's another £29 savings.

Help with energy bill payments

There are several ways to get help paying energy bills for those facing difficulties.

If you have debt, contact your provider to find out if they can offer a repayment plan.

Many energy companies have programs for customers facing payment challenges. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the provider.

For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers facing financial difficulties may receive grants of up to £2000.

Thousands of vulnerable households are not receiving the assistance they need as they do not sign up for the Priority Services Register (PSR), which offers support for the elderly or those with disabilities.

It is advisable to contact your energy company to find out if you can apply for assistance.

Heating is an important aspect of comfort, especially in the colder months. Experts recommend combining energy savings with creating a cozy atmosphere at home. The relevance of these recommendations increases in the context of rising energy prices, so it is worth taking care of comfort and economy in advance.