Even though it may feel like winter is already here at times, even colder weather, darker nights, and higher heating bills are on their way. If you want to keep your house warm but don’t want to waste money on keeping the heating on all day, there is an optimal time of day.
By switching the heating on at the right time, you can ensure that your home is warm but your wallet doesn’t take such a hit. According to Stephen Hankinson, Heating Expert at Electric Radiators Direct, timing is everything when it comes to keeping costs down and homes warm. He said: “The NHS recommends heating your home when outdoor temperatures fall to 15 degrees outside.
“We can expect this to happen from September, so now is the perfect time to prepare yourself and set a heating routine.”
By switching the heating on just after sunrise you can set your home up to be toasty when you get up.
Stephen said: “The coldest time of the day is typically shortly after sunrise, when the rays are weak.
“In the mornings, I always recommend switching your heating on for a short burst between 6:30 and 7:30am. This takes the edge off the chill as you get out of bed and sets your home up for the day without wasting energy by running it for too long.”
In the evenings, it’s best to switch the heating on between 5pm and 9pm.
Stephen said: “If you have a south facing home, your rooms will capture more direct sunlight, which helps to keep the house naturally warm.
“This means you may be able to delay turning the heating on in the evening. However, those with a north-facing home receive minimal direct sunlight throughout the day.
“Because the house stays cooler, homeowners may need to turn the heating on earlier and for longer to compensate for the lack of natural warmth.”
To save even more, Stephen recommends keeping the thermostat between 18C and 22C rather than constantly switching it up and off.
He said: “A programmable timer or smart control makes this much easier, as you can set your heating to match your routine and avoid unnecessary usage.”