As we head towards the end of September and the beginning of October, the dreaded question of when exactly to put the central heating on will be a hotly debated topic in thousands of households across Wales. And this year, given the rise in gas and oil prices as we begin to navigate an autumnal and winter cost of living crisis, that debate might prove even hotter than the temperatures on most thermostats up and down the land.
Currently, average temperatures across Wales are ranging mainly between 15C and 19C, with coastal areas at the cooler end of the scale. After a scorching summer, September temperatures have naturally dipped but it has still proved to be a largely mild month thus far. However, as we head into October, those temperatures will no doubt drop further in the coming weeks. You can get the latest WalesOnline newsletters e-mailed to you directly for free by signing up here.
So, when exactly, and at what temperature, should we succumb to temptation and switch on the central heating to make our homes nice, cosy and warm for the winter? According to heating expert Ryan Collier, an engineer and director at Heat Pump Source, we should turn on the heating “when the average outside temperature starts to fall below 15 degrees Celsius”. He told Ideal Home that “this is typically in late September or early October”.
Read more: Martin Lewis says UK may see 'mortgage ticking time bomb' if interest rates rise
He added that most people felt comfortable at a temperature between 18C to 21C, while you should never ideally allow your home to get colder than 12C as that could cause costly damage to pipes if they got too cold. “Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what works best for your home and your lifestyle,” he said. “I would recommend turning your heating off at night, or when you are not at home, as this will help to save energy and lower your bills.”
According to the latest weather forecasts, average temperatures are not expected to routinely dip below 15C until the middle of October, leading some experts to suggest leaving it a bit longer before we click that switch on the thermostat. Jordan Chance at PlumbNation said: “Turning on your central heating is notably one of the sure signs that winter has arrived. Although there is no single temperature at which you should turn your heating on, many aim for the time when clocks go back, falling this year on October 31.”
With the extra pressure this year of trying to keep bills down as much as possible, there are certain things people can do to save money on heating costs and cut down on the amount of gas, oil or electric used as the winter cold begins to snap:
Upgrade your thermostat
Your thermostat controls your home’s temperature by communicating with your boiler. Thermostats, particularly in older homes with older heating systems, can degrade over time.
Stop draughts
Stopping heat from escaping through unwanted gaps is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to save energy and money. To draught-proof your home, you need to primarily identify the ‘problem areas’ where draughts are causing issues, these could include doors, windows, chimneys and floorboards.
Add an extra layer
Instead of heating your home to be warm enough to walk around in shorts and a t-shirt, why not turn your thermostat down and put on a jumper? Adding clothing layers will insulate your body and make it easier to regulate your own temperature.
Introduce soft furnishings
Soft furnishings, such as curtains and rugs, can make all the difference in saving money on your heating. If you have a carpeted home then it will naturally help to boost insulation; however, if you have hard flooring investing in some good quality materials, such as a plush rug, will help to prevent heat from being lost.
Turn your thermostat down by one degree
An excessive heating bill can be easily rectified with the ‘step-down’ challenge. By turning your heating down by just one degree, you can save up to 10 per cent on your heating bill.
Clean your radiators
If your radiators aren’t in your weekly cleaning routine, then it’s time to add them. A build-up of dust can affect your health, allergies and your heating bill. Layers of dust in your radiator can prevent heat from escaping effectively, meaning your radiators will have to work harder to warm your room.
Don’t dry your clothes on your radiator
The clothes that you place over the top of your radiators prevent the heat from escaping and heating your room, meaning that your boiler has to pick up the slack and work at a greater rate - increasing costs.
Bleed your radiators
Bleeding your radiator is essential in preventing the efficiency of your radiator from decreasing, as a result of air entering your heating system. The quickest way to check if air has entered your heating system is to turn your central heating on and feel your radiator. If the radiator is warm at the bottom but cold at the top this is generally a sign that air is present.
Get your boiler serviced
If your boiler is ageing and has seen better days, there’s a strong chance it won’t be working as efficiently as it once was. Defective boilers can increase your heating bill massively as they will need to work significantly harder to bring your home up to the desired temperature.
Jordan Chance added: “There are a series of ways to delay putting your heating on, keeping you warmer for longer and saving you those extra pennies. Using a draught excluder is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to keep your home warm, preventing cold air from entering and warm air from leaving under your doors. Keeping your curtains closed, or investing in a thermal curtain lining can likewise help to prevent warm air from escaping - this trick alone can reduce heat loss by up to 25%.
“Whilst a favourite saying of parents is to ‘put a jumper on’, this age old argument can certainly keep you warmer for longer, and save the big switch on for a later date. It is also important to note that leaving your heating on low all day does not reduce your heating bills. Having the heating on only as and when you need it, is the best way to save energy. Using a thermostat with a timer offers a simple and speedy solution to controlling your heating effectively.”
Read next:
- Almost 100 new homes to be built on edge of Carmarthen town centre
- Mum complains to McDonald’s after being sold ‘appalling’ burger
- Police try to find men in connection with violent attack next to bar
- Derelict workmen's hall is Carmarthenshire's 'biggest fire risk'
- The latest death notices in Carmarthenshire as families remember loved ones
