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5 days ago
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It's something that millions of households squabble over every year – when is it finally time to turn your heating on?
Now, experts claim to have settled the debate once and for all.
The team at BestHeating studied Met Office data from the past three years.
Based on their analysis, the experts claim that the best date to reach for the thermostat is 17 October.
'Our research shows that once temperatures are below 15°C, it is best to turn the heating on as we feel the chill more,' advised John Klee, heating technology expert at BestHeating.
'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.'
As for what temperature to set your thermostat at, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a surprisingly low temperature of 18°C (64.4°F).
'For countries with temperate or colder climates, 18°C has been proposed as a safe and well–balanced indoor temperature to protect the health of general populations during cold seasons,' it advised.
It's something that millions of households squabble over every year – when is it finally time to turn your heating on? Now, experts claim to have settled the debate once and for all (stock image)
What date should you put your heating on?
According to BestHeating, you should consider switching on the heating in your home from 17 October.
From this date, average temperatures aren't expected to rise above 15°C for the rest of the year.
What time should you put your heating on?
When it starts getting chilly outside, you might be tempted to blast the heating all day.
However, this is actually an inefficient method – and can prove costly.
Instead, the Energy Saving Trust advises putting your heating on a timer.
'Generally, it's useful to have your heating come on around half an hour before you get up in the morning,' it suggests.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends keeping your house at a temperature of at least 18°C (64.4°F) (stock image)
'Then, have turn it off again around half an hour before you go to bed.
'If you're planning on being out of the house, you can turn the heating off while nobody's in.'
What temperature should you set the thermostat at?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends keeping your house at a temperature of at least 18°C (64.4°F).
'Indoor housing temperatures should be high enough to protect residents from the harmful health effects of cold,' it explains on its website.
However, certain vulnerable groups may require a higher thermostat temperature, according to the WHO.
'A higher minimum indoor temperature than 18°C may be necessary for vulnerable groups including older people, children and those with chronic illnesses, particularly cardiorespiratory disease,' it added.
How to save on your heating bills
If you're looking for ways to save on your heating bills, Dave Raval, CEO at Loftzone, has five top tips:
1. Invest in loft insulation
'Heat rises and in a typical British home 25% of your heat goes out through your ceiling, into your loft and out through the roof,' he said.
'Most people have some loft insulation, but you need a lot more that you think.
'The government recommendation is a minimum is 300 millimetres, which is almost a foot.
'Don't put your boxes and belongings straight on the insulation – most people don’t know that squashing insulation makes it 50% less efficient.
'Fluffy loft insulation works by trapping air so when you squash it you get rid of all those air bubbles, and it doesn't work so well. Raised loft boarding is a perfect solution to help protect your insulation.'
2. Draught–proofing
'The first thing I would always do in the home is to look for draughts,' Mr Raval said.
'Don't let the money you've spent on heating your house seep through the gaps!'
3. Install Thermostatic Radiator Valves
'If you have radiators, make sure each one has a TRV – a thermostatic radiator valve,' Mr Raval said.
'Most homes have one single thermostat controlling your temperature, but many rooms need less heat.'
4. Consider a radiator fan
'As heat rises, the ceiling gets warm first, then only afterwards does the lower part of the room start to warm up,' Mr Raval said.
'To tackle this, why not consider a radiator fan, which you can put on top of a radiator.
'It simply blows the heat on to you, rather than let it drift upwards, so you feel warmer, sooner.'
5. Save hot water
'There are obvious things to save water, such as taking quicker showers and having fewer baths, but often people forget the water used whilst washing up,' Mr Raval explained.
'Use a bowl, or plug the sink, to avoid washing every item under the hot water tap, that is just heated water you've paid for that is going down the plughole!
'You can rinse cleaned crockery etc with cold water, too.'
