HOME TRUTHS: THE BEST TIME TO PUT THE HEATING ON
As the chilly winter months approach, finding the optimal time to turn your heating on becomes a crucial consideration. Striking the right balance between comfort and energy efficiency can significantly impact your energy bills. So, how do you know when it’s the right time to turn your heating on?
Heating expert Dave Lines at HomeHow.co.uk has created this guide, providing you with all the information you need to know about heating your home this winter and saving money on your energy bills. Let’s delve into the factors influencing the best time to switch on your heating system…
Understanding Your Home’s Insulation
Before determining the ideal time to turn your heating on, it’s essential to assess your home’s insulation. A well-insulated home retains heat more efficiently, reducing the need for prolonged heating periods.
Take the below steps to ensure your home’s insulation is up to scratch and ready for the colder months:
- Check your loft insulation – You need to ensure your loft insulation is thick enough to prevent heat loss through the roof.
- Inspect wall and floor insulation – Adequate insulation in these areas can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency.
- Seal any draughts – Identify and seal any gaps around the windows, doors and skirting boards of your home to prevent cold air from entering.
The Ideal Time to Turn Your Heating On
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to determining the right time to turn on your heating. However, there are some guidelines that you can follow to get the best out of your heating and to save money.
Take a look at the routines below for the best results:
Morning Routine
- Pre-heating – Turning your heating on 30 – 60 minutes before you wake up can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. This allows your home to reach a comfortable temperature by the time you’re ready to get out of bed.
- Temperature setting – Aim for a temperature between 18 – 21 degrees Celsius. Higher temperatures may not provide significant additional comfort but can lead to significantly increased energy consumption and, therefore, higher bills.
Daytime Heating
- Off-peak hours – If you have a smart meter or a time-of-use tariff, consider scheduling your heating to run during off-peak hours when the electricity prices are lower.
- Targeted heating – Instead of heating the entire house, focus on the rooms that you use the most frequently. Use room thermostats or radiator valves to control the temperature in specific areas.
- Natural heat sources – Make the most of natural heat sources, such as sunlight, where possible. Open your curtains during the day and allow warmth to enter your home.
Evening Comfort
- Pre-bedtime warmth – Turn your heating on an hour or so before bedtime to create a cosy atmosphere.
- Night-time temperature – Lower the temperature of your home to around 16 – 18 degrees Celsius during the night. This can help you sleep better and reduce energy consumption.
Additional Tips For Energy Efficiency
In addition to choosing the right times to turn your heating on, there are some other things you can do to help with your home’s energy efficiency.
Below is a list of additional tips for energy efficiency:
- Utilise smart thermostats – Smart thermostats allow you to programme your heating schedule, adjust temperatures remotely, and optimise your energy usage.
- Layer up – Instead of cranking up your home’s heating, consider layering with more clothes to stay warm.
- Close your curtains and blinds – At night, close your curtains and blinds to prevent heat loss through the windows.
- Regular boiler servicing – Ensure your boiler is well-maintained to operate efficiently.
- Bleeding radiators – Regularly bleed your radiators to improve their heating efficiency.
- Use a radiator reflector – Radiator reflectors can help to direct heat back into the room, rather than being absorbed by the wall behind the radiator. This can improve the energy efficiency of your heating system.
- Insulate your pipes – Insulating your pipes can help to prevent heat loss, especially in unheated areas like lofts or garages.
- Check for draughts – Identify and seal any draughts around windows, doors, and skirting boards. This will help to reduce heat loss and improve the overall efficiency of your heating system.
Final Thoughts
By embracing a combination of strategic heating scheduling and energy-saving practices, you can achieve a comfortable and cost-effective winter. Remember, there’s no single “best hour” to turn on your heating; it’s all about aligning your heating schedule with your daily routines.
This approach not only ensures a warm and inviting home when you need it most but also helps you minimise energy consumption and keep your energy bills under control. So, as the winter chill sets in, implement these expert-recommended tips and create a cosy haven that’s kind to both your budget and the environment.
