When should I put my heating on? Is there a ‘best’ time?

As we head into winter with energy prices still high, you may be asking – when should I put my heating on?

Under the latest energy price cap, set at £1,717 for average use (your actual bill is determined by how much energy you use), households are paying around 10% more compared to the last quarter, from 1 October to 31 December 2024. Remember, average use does not mean that you will necessarily be paying more on your energy bill. The cap refers to the unit price, not your total bill. How much you pay will depend on your energy usage.

While energy prices could go down in 2025, it’s always worth looking at how you can save on energy costs and understanding the best way to heat your home is a good way to help reduce costs.

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“When should I put my heating on?”

Most of us want to wait as long as possible before pumping up that thermostat and when you switch on your central heating will depend on the weather and, of course, how much you feel the cold. But Ryan Collier, a heating engineer and director of Heat Pump Source, says most people should think about turning their heating on when the average outside temperature starts to fall below 15ºC – this is typically in late September or early October.

Should you leave your heating on low all day?

According to the Energy Saving Trust, despite what you might think, it is usually not cheaper to leave the heating on low all day.

Leaving your heating on low all day generally uses more energy as your home loses a certain amount of heat throughout the day – just how much is lost depends on how well-insulated your how is. If you have good insulation, there’s an argument for leaving the heating on low all day – but just be sure it’s not escaping from windows. The best thing to do here is to test it out – if you can remain at a comfortable temperature all day without the heating going on and off all day, then it may well be the right move for you. Keep your heating on low for a full week and then, in the second week, schedule the heating to come on twice a day. Keep tabs on the difference in your energy usage by using a smart meter, if you have one, or by checking your meter reading.

The Energy Saving Trust stresses that, in the long run, only putting the heating on when you need it is usually the best way to keep energy costs low.

What time of day should you put your heating on?

Temperatures are lower first thing in the morning and once the sun goes down; this is when you are most likely to want the heating on. Scheduling heating to come on just before you get in from a day out or from the office can be helpful.

“Turning your heating off at night, or when you are not at home, will help to save energy and lower your bills,” says Collier.

Working from home? Then think about just heating a single room where you work. That way you won’t be spending money heating empty rooms.

What temperature should a room be?

We all have different comfort levels, but the Energy Saving Trust suggests that a temperature of 18-21ºC during winter is comfortable for most people. For elderly people Age UK recommends 21°C, while the Lullaby Trust advises around 16 to 20°C for newborn babies.

It’s also worth noting that simply turning your thermostat down by 1°C can save you around £145 a year, according to Uswitch.

What is the most cost-efficient way to heat a room?

If your home is properly insulated, then it will keep the warmth in, meaning you can lower your heating. Worried about heat escaping? Try draught excluders for windows and doors.

If you live alone or are the only one at home, it could be cheaper to use a fan heater or oil heater for a short burst of heat. Also, keep an eye on health of your boiler. As your boiler ages, it becomes less efficient and it will need to be on longer to heat your home. Make sure you get it serviced regularly to ensure it is working at an optimum level.

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