The 3 essential tasks to do before switching your heating on this weekend or risk high bills, energy expert shares
TEMPERATURES are dropping and it’s officially starting to feel like autumn.
If you haven’t put your heating yet, then good, because there’s a few tasks you need to carry out before heating your radiators up.
Les Roberts, energy expert at Bionic said: “By late October, there will be a notable chill to the air, with temperatures set to drop seven degrees throughout the month.
“Following NHS guidance, Brits should start heating their homes and businesses once outdoor temperatures drop below 15°C.”
Bionic has analysed the weather forecast and revealed October 14 as the exact date to first put your heating on.
“Looking ahead at the weather forecast, October 14th will be the start of the temperatures beginning to drop across the UK, with the temperature predicted to be 13°,” Les added.
“Temperatures are predicted to largely remain under 15°C up until March 2025.”
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared the tasks you need to do before switching the heating on “to make sure your home is efficiently heated this winter”.
1. Deep clean your radiators
She said: “Dust, dirt and debris can prevent your devices and heating systems from working at full capacity, and can often force them to work harder and cost you more.
“Making sure radiators and heaters are clean before you use them minimises the risk of a blockage and ensures they operate smoothly this winter.
“Cleaning your heating devices and keeping them free from dust and dirt also means they work more efficiently, use less energy and cost you less.”
2. Check for draughts
Laura continued: “Before switching your heating on, you need to ensure that there are no places for the heat to escape. Not only does draught-proofing result in a warmer home this winter, but it can save you up to £35 a year on your energy bills.
“Draught-proofing your home is a quick and effective way to cut your heating bills this winter.”
Easy ways to draught-proof your home:
- Hanging thermal curtains and blinds and laying a rug, to give an extra layer of insulation, keeping the heat in and the cold out.
- Use fabric draught excluders for the gaps under doors around the house, preventing cold air entering, and heat leaving areas you’re using.
- Fill gaps around doors and windows with self-adhesive draught-proofing strips. These close the gaps between windows and doors, cutting off the escape route for household heating.
3. Avoid obstructing heat sources
“When heat sources, like radiators, are obstructed they often have to work harder to compensate for the reduced airflow,” the expert said.
“To optimise the efficiency of your heating system, it’s important to arrange furniture and other items in a way that promotes the free flow of heat from radiators, fires and heaters.
“Simple adjustments like repositioning your sofa before turning your heating on can not only increase the heat but crucially reduce your energy bills this winter.”
What temperature should the heating be set at?
“When temperatures begin to plummet, it can be tempting to turn your heating up,” Laura said.
“However, turning your heating up, even by just a few degrees, could increase your heating bills by as much as £171.70.
“According to NHS guidelines, homes across the UK should be heated between 18-21°C throughout winter. So adjusting your heating as you see fit in accordance with the temperatures as well as your lifestyle this winter is recommended.
“For some people, such as young children and those over 65, who suffer from health conditions, homes should be heated slightly warmer over winter to keep them safe and prevent health conditions that can arise from long exposure to cold.
“The World Health Organisation advises that throughout winter the ideal temperature for those who suffer from health conditions, the elderly and young children, is 20°C, so homes should be heated following government guidelines.”
4 ways to keep your energy bills low
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down by one degree
You probably won’t even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70.
2. Switch appliances and lights off
It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used.
4. Consider switching energy supplier
No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you’ve let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven’t browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.