Customers Advised to Delay Heating This September for £180 Savings

Households with British Gas, OVO, EDF, and Octopus have been advised to postpone switching on their heating in September to potentially save up to £180. As temperatures are expected to dip, consumers are encouraged to activate their heating systems only when the weather falls below 15°C, typically between October and November.

Jess Steele, a heating technology specialist at BestHeating, emphasizes that there is no set date for when heating should be turned on. Nonetheless, her research indicates that people begin to feel the cold more acutely once temperatures drop below 15°C. She notes, “By the end of the month, even the hardiest among us will have our heating on to keep warm as temperatures are predicted to drop further.”

Concerns about rising energy costs have led many to consider delaying heating activation. Steele warns, “If it is below 13°C outside, health issues can arise, especially in vulnerable people.” She advises those in financial difficulty to reach out to their local council or energy supplier, as various grants and assistance programs can help households stay warm during winter.

To maximize energy efficiency, Steele suggests focusing heating efforts on the rooms currently in use. “One of the simplest mistakes people make during winter is heating an unused space,” she explains. It is crucial to turn off radiators in rooms such as bedrooms during the day. However, she cautions against turning off radiators in the room where the thermostat is located, as this could disrupt the overall temperature of the home.

Research shows that lowering a home’s temperature can yield significant savings on energy bills. The average thermostat setting in the UK is around 20.8°C, but maintaining a temperature of 18°C can keep residents comfortably warm during colder months. Steele points out, “This can save up to 10% on a fuel bill or an estimated £80.”

To further reduce heating costs, Steele recommends strategic heating management. Setting the heating to activate an hour before waking, particularly if outdoor temperatures are expected to fall below 10°C, can help eliminate the morning chill. For those out all day, similar strategies can be applied in the evening.

For individuals with smart thermostats, controlling heating becomes even more straightforward. These devices allow users to minimize wasted energy while away from home and ensure they return to a comfortably warm environment without incurring excessive costs.

As the colder months approach, these tips may provide valuable insights for households looking to navigate the challenges of heating efficiently while managing financial concerns.