Striking the balance between keeping your home warm and energy efficiency can be tricky, and significantly impact energy bills.
Heating expert Dave Lines at HomeHow.co.uk has created a guide to help households decide when to turn their heating on.
However, before determining the ideal time to turn the heating on, it’s essential to assess your home’s insulation as a well-insulated one will need less heating.
To make sure your insulation is up to scratch, check the loft insulation, inspect wall and floor insulation as well as seal any draughts.
This means identifying any gaps around windows, doors and skirting boards to prevent cold air from coming in.
The expert said: “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 save money.”
The expert shared various routines depending on what will suit your home better, a morning one, a daytime one or an evening one.
Morning routine
Turn your heating on 30 to 60 minutes before you wake up to 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.
The expert recommended aiming for a temperature between 18 to 21C.
Daytime
The heating pro said: “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.
“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.
“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
Turn your heating on an hour or so before bedtime to create a cosy atmosphere.
Lower the temperature of the home to around 16 to 18C during the night to help you sleep better and reduce energy consumption.
Picking the right time can be tricky but getting it right can “lower” bills and promote energy efficiency.
