WARMER temperatures are FINALLY on their way so it could be time to retire your radiator and turn off the thermostat.
Sunday, March 27 is the official day you should turn your heating off according to experts.
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PlumbNation has decided that’s because the average temperature at this time of year is a bit higher, plus there’s more hours of daylight.
It’s also when the clocks go forward, and you have to set your watch an hour ahead.
Jordan Chance, a heating expert from PlumbNation said: “Having the heating on only as and when you need it, is the best way to save energy.
“As Spring is just around the corner, and as the weather gradually begins to turn warmer, more and more people are keeping their heating on for shorter amounts of time.
“Although there is no single temperature at which you should turn your heating off, many aim for the time when clocks go forward, which this year falls on March 27.”
The date is only an estimation, but it gives you a good idea of when you can start saving some pennies on your energy bills.
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Households’ are set to fork out hundreds more on their energy bills amid the increasing cost of living and hikes coming in at the start of next month.
Energy bills are due to rise by £693 for many on April 1, as the price cap is raised to £1,971.
As many as five million are wasting a whopping £128 a year on their heating bills alone, according to Uswitch.
So you could get ahead of the rising costs by turning off your heating altogether on the day the clocks go forward.
And experts at EnergyHelpline agree.
A spokesperson said: “The best advice is to consider if you still need your heating to come on for the same number of hours each month, and reduce how often it is on as we move through spring.
“From April 1, households with a typical 24 kilowatt boiler will pay £1.68 for every hour they use their boiler, which is then how much you’d save for each hour less that you have your boiler on for.”
But turning off the heating isn’t the only way you can save on your energy bills – plenty of other tips will help slash your costs.
How else can I reduce my energy bills?
Making sure your home is insulated is important in reducing energy bills too.
Jordan, from PlumbNation said: “Well insulated homes will retain their heat even when temperatures are low into the early spring, but every home will be different.“
If your home is insulated it’ll also stop energy being wasted when you DO have the heating on.
You can evaluate all the waste energy lost room by room in your house, and you might be able to switch something off here, or plug a draughty gap there, and the pennies saved will soon add up.
Uswitch also explained that households could make potential savings of up to £127.70, by turning down the temperature of the thermostat by just one degree.
But Jordan said: “Leaving your heating on low all day does not reduce your heating bills!” – so you should switch it off when you’re not in or at night when you’re sleeping too.
Also upgrading the kit you’ve got to a smart thermostat could save you as much as £164 a year – it’ll connect your heating system to the internet so you can turn down temperatures on your phone while you’re out and about.
But this comes with an upfront cost that you’ll have to factor in, ranging between £150-£250.
You can also make your money go further by taking advantage of grants to help cover costs – there’s still time to apply for £300 winter fuel payment help for example.
And the Household Support Fund closes at the end of the month so you have just weeks left to apply for energy help from your local council.
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