With spring on the horizon, many homeowners are wondering: when should you turn off your heating to save money?
With energy price rises continuing, switching off at the right time can help cut costs without making your home uncomfortably cold.
Experts say the key is not just the date but also how you turn off your heating – doing it too soon or too suddenly could lead to issues like damp and mould. So when is the best time, and how can you transition smoothly? Here’s what you need to know.
Best time to switch off your heating
According to Gordon Wallis, Renewable Heating Specialist at Your NRG, the best time to turn off your heating is when the clocks go forward and British Summer Time begins – this year falling on March 30.
“With energy prices remaining a concern, knowing when to turn off your heating can make a big difference. A good rule of thumb is to switch off your heating around the end of March when British Summer Time begins. This period usually signals a shift towards milder weather, meaning less reliance on central heating,” Wallis explains.
Gordon Wallis
Gordon has extensive experience in the heating sector where he leads marketing efforts focused on energy-efficient heating solutions. His work involves educating consumers on cost-saving strategies, particularly in response to rising energy prices.
How to transition your heating gradually
Instead of turning off the heating suddenly, Wallis advises making gradual adjustments to keep your house warm whilst also avoiding high energy bills.
“Rather than switching your heating off all at once, gradually lower your thermostat by 1°C each week as the weather improves. Doing this can reduce your heating costs by up to 10% for every degree lowered, easing the transition into warmer months without discomfort,” he suggests.
For those who rely on heating oil, it’s especially important to plan carefully. “Heating oil users should aim to reduce their usage before demand peaks in colder months, helping to conserve supply and cut costs,” Wallis adds.
How turning heating off too early can cost you
Turning off your heating too early can lead to problems such as damp, mould and even frozen pipes if unexpected cold spells occur.
Adam Clark at My Local Toolbox advises keeping an eye on indoor temperatures before making any drastic changes.
“We all want to save on heating costs, but turning off heating too soon can cause condensation, damp, and mould to develop in your home. Before switching off your heating, make sure indoor temperatures remain consistently above 15°C,” Clark explains.
To maintain comfort and energy efficiency, he recommends maximising natural heat by opening curtains during the day to let sunlight warm up your home. “Gradually lowering the thermostat over a week instead of switching heating off suddenly can also help prevent drastic temperature changes that make a home feel colder than it really is.”
Adam Clark
Adam is the founder of My Local Toolbox, which provides quotes for homeowners for home improvement jobs. With a focus on simplicity and consumer-friendly propositions, he has founded several online brands that help consumers easily find and compare property-related services, including heating solutions.
Link between heating and sleep quality
Ensuring your bedroom is at an ideal temperature is crucial for good sleep. Martin Seeley at MattressNextDay highlights the importance of balancing warmth and comfort at night.
“The best bedroom temperature for restful sleep is between 16-18°C. If your room is too cold, your body has to work harder to stay warm, leading to shallow sleep.
If it’s too hot, you’ll struggle to cool down, causing restlessness. If your bedroom temperature fluctuates, keeping the heating on a little longer may be necessary until warmer weather arrives,” Seeley advises.
Martin Seeley
Martin is a leading expert in the sleep industry with over 30 years of experience. He regularly attends sleep conferences and trade shows, staying updated on the latest research. Having worked with thousands of customers, his insights are highly valued and featured in major publications like Men’s Health, The Sun, Forbes, and GQ, as well as on ITV’s This Morning.
Finding the perfect balance between cutting costs and staying comfortable as the temperatures rise doesn’t have to be a guessing game.
With these energy-saving tips you can switch off your heating without risking the dreaded cold spots or damp problems.
As energy prices continue to climb, every bit of savings counts, so make sure you’re making the most of your home’s heating system this spring – your wallet will thank you.
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