Millions of Brits will be keeping a keen eye on the weather as they look to turn off their heating following a long winter. Spring officially started yesterday (March 20) and people across the nation will be eager to switch off their heating to save some cash on their bills.
Although temperatures approached 20C in some areas of the nation this week, it remains fairly chilly in the mornings and the evenings. Therefore, it might be worth leaving the heating on for just a little bit longer. For those wondering when the best time will be, experts recommend considering a number of factors including energy prices and weather conditions.
Dave Lines from HomeHow.co.uk said the best time to turn off your heating is next Sunday (March 30).
There are a number of reasons why this is the optimal date, including that it’s when the clocks go forward. This means we’re getting out of bed an hour earlier and doing more with our evenings as it’s still light.
We’re also drawing the curtains back earlier in the morning and later in the evening. This allows the sun to warm rooms and means we won’t need to rely on the heating as much.
Our homes will also be naturally warmer by the end of March. Temperatures in the UK consistently hit between 12C and 15C at this time of year.
As well as the warmer weather, the Energy Price Cap is set to rise from April 1. It will increase from 24.86p to 27.03p per kWh for electricity and from 6.34p to 6.99p per kWh for gas. You’ll be able to manage your energy bills easier if you turn your heating off before the rise.
Dave Lines said: “Although March 30 is the best date to turn your heating off, it’s important to understand that this date isn’t set in stone and may not work for every family or home.
“For instance, if you work from home and are sitting at your desk all day, you may need to keep the heating on for a bit longer to stop you from getting cold. Similarly, those who are older or have health conditions can benefit from keeping the heating on for at least a few hours a day during spring to ensure they’re warm and comfortable.”
He added: “If March 30 arrives and you’re not ready to switch your heating completely off, you may wish to turn your thermostat down or reduce the amount of time your heating is programmed to come on for in the morning and evening.
“The advantage of doing this is that you don’t risk feeling cold. Plus, it enables you to gradually reduce your heating use, giving you a smooth transition into summer. At the same time, you’ll also reduce your energy consumption, helping you keep control of your energy bills.”
H”Choosing the right time to turn your heating off will help you avoid the cold and unnecessarily high energy bills. However, while March 30 is the optimum date to turn your heating off, it’s wise to consider the local weather conditions, your lifestyle and your family’s needs first.”