When Should I Put My Heating On?

As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, there’s a common question that echoes through the hallways of Cheshire homes: “When should I put my heating on?”

Of course, it’s a question that comes up every year as summer gives way to autumn, and deciding when to switch on the central heating can feel like a balancing act between comfort and cost.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when deciding to turn your heating on, provide tips for efficient heating usage, and discuss the best way to keep your home warm and energy bills manageable. By the end, you’ll be able to make an informed choice that’s right for you, your home, and your wallet.

When do most people turn on their heating?

For many years, mid-October has been considered the unofficial start of the heating season in the UK, as it’s when temperatures typically start to fall below 15°C consistently, and most people begin to feel the chill indoors. However, the economic landscape has shifted, and more households are delaying turning on their heating for as long as possible to cut down on costs.

According to research by Which?, many households, particularly those on mid-range incomes (£20,000 to £80,000), are choosing to keep their heating off even when the temperatures drop. Instead, to adapt to the colder temperatures without turning on the heating, many households are changing their habits and relying on other methods to stay warm like wearing extra layers.

But, while delaying turning on your heating can certainly save on energy bills, it’s not always the best approach, especially when it comes to health and comfort. For certain age groups and individuals with health issues, a cold home can increase the risk of respiratory problems, colds, and other health concerns.

Given these risks, while it might seem logical to delay using your heating to save on bills, this approach can have some drawbacks, particularly when it comes to health and also home maintenance.

When should you turn on the heating?

The right time to turn on your heating ultimately depends on how cold it is inside your home and the comfort needs of your household. Instead of relying on the date, it’s better to base your decision on specific factors that reflect your home’s needs.

Generally, you should aim to keep your home at a minimum of 18°C, especially if vulnerable individuals live with you, like older adults, young children, or anyone with pre-existing health conditions.

If your home consistently drops below 18°C, it’s advisable to switch on the heating, even if it’s just for a few hours a day. Relying solely on extra layers of clothing might be fine for a short period, but in the long term, it’s not a sustainable or healthy solution. Furthermore, cold homes are. more likely to develop dampness and condensation, which can lead to mould growth. Mould not only damages your property but can also worsen respiratory conditions.

So, if you notice condensation on windows or damp spots on walls, turning on the heating and using proper ventilation can help control humidity levels.

How to balance heating costs with comfort

Given that nearly half of households are choosing not to turn their heating on, even when it’s cold, finding ways to stay comfortable without ramping up energy bills is vital. Here are some of our top tips:

1. Use a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat or smart thermostat allows you to set specific times for your heating to on and off, or control it remotely, reducing unnecessary heating while maintaining comfort during key times of day. For example, you can set the heating to turn on 30 minutes before you wake up and turn off when you leave for work. Or, if you have a smart thermostat, switch the heating on when you leave work so it’s warm and toasty when you arrive home.

Even a small adjustment can have a big impact on your energy bills. Reducing your thermostat setting by just 1°C could lower your heating costs by up to 10%. That’s a potential saving of around £90 a year for households in Great Britain.

2. Use zoned heating

If your heating system supports it, zoned heating allows you to heat only certain areas of your home. This way, you can keep commonly used spaces like the living room and kitchen warm, while reducing heating in unoccupied rooms like the bedrooms during the day.

3. Utilise secondary heating sources

Supplement your central heating with electric heaters or heated blankets. This is particularly effective for heating specific areas without having to turn on the entire heating system. However, it’s important to always follow the manufacturers instructions when using these heat sources to minimise fire risks.

4. Layer up and use soft furnishings

Without a doubt, wearing extra layers, using thick blankets, and adding rugs to hard floors can make your home feel warmer without turning up the heat. Fabrics like wool and fleece are excellent insulators and can make a big difference in perceived warmth.

5. Explore underfloor heating

It may feel like a luxury, but underfloor heating can be a more efficient way of heating your home as you don’t end up with hot and cold spots as you do with radiators.

Is it better to leave the heating on all day?

Many people ask whether it’s more efficient to keep the heating on all day at a low level or to turn it on and off as needed. For most traditional gas boilers, it’s generally more energy-efficient to only turn on the heating when you need it.

However, if you have a heat pump system, which works differently from a boiler, you might find it more efficient to keep the heating on for longer periods at a lower temperature. Heat pumps are designed to maintain a steady temperature and can operate more efficiently this way. Always refer to your heat pump manufacturer’s guidelines for best practices. 

When is the best time of day to turn on the heating?

For optimal energy efficiency, set your heating to come on about 30 minutes before you wake up and switch off about 30 minutes before you go to bed. This will make sure your home is warm when you need it most, without easting energy.

If you’re out of the house during the day, use a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature, and have it warm up again just before you return.

Preparing your heating system for winter

Even if you’re holding off on switching on the heating, it’s essential to make sure your system is in good working order before the really cold weather sets in.

Here’s a checklist to get your boiler ready for winter:

• Switch on your boiler for a short time before winter to check for any issues
• Bleed your radiators
• Reduce the flow temperature on your boiler for greater efficiency
• Schedule an annual boiler service

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when you should turn on your heating. While many in the UK traditionally switch on their heating around later-September to mid-October, this might not be practical or necessary for everyone, especially given the rising costs of energy.

Instead, consider your household’s comfort and health needs, monitor your indoor temperature, and use energy-saving strategies to make your heating as efficient as possible. If you find yourself in a position where turning on the heating is necessary, don’t hesitate – sometimes, the best way to stay warm and healthy is to put the heating on.

If you need advice on how to make your system more energy-efficient, get in touch with our team at Add Heat. Our experienced heating engineers can assess your home, recommend the most efficient solutions, and ensure your system is running smoothly before the winter months set in.

Contact us today to schedule your boiler service or to discuss energy-saving upgrades that will keep your warm without driving up your bills.