The Great Heating Debate: Is It Too Early To Turn Up The Thermostat?

As autumn leaves begin to fall, social media is abuzz with memes and discussions about turning on the heating. This year, it seems the annual "thermostat wars" between partners might be starting earlier than ever. But is it really too soon to crank up the heat, and what should homeowners be considering as we transition into the colder months?

The Timing Dilemma

While there's no official "right" time to turn on the heating, many energy experts suggest waiting until the outdoor temperature consistently falls below 15°C (59°F) before reaching for the thermostat. That's usually mid to late October. We're over a month ahead this year! Climate change means more extreme and unpredictable weather, particularly for the UK where the weather is already so variable. We may see more chilly spells in September in the years to come.

However, personal comfort levels vary, and factors such as home insulation and individual health needs play a crucial role in this decision.

Sadly in many cases we will be simply spending more on our heating this year so if you want to make a real impact on your energy costs, now is the time to invest in energy efficiency measures.

Testing Your Heating System

Regardless of when you plan to use your heating regularly, now is an ideal time to test your system. Here's why:

1. Early detection of issues: Identifying problems now gives you time to address them before the cold truly sets in.
2. Avoid emergency callouts: Plumbers and heating engineers are often overwhelmed when the first cold snap hits. Testing early helps you avoid long wait times and potentially higher costs.
3. Peace of mind: Knowing your system is functioning properly can alleviate stress as winter approaches.

Tracking and Budgeting for Heating Costs

With energy prices remaining a concern for many households, keeping track of heating expenditure is crucial. Here are some strategies:

1. Smart meters: If you haven't already, consider installing a smart meter. These devices provide real-time data on energy usage and costs.
2. Energy monitoring apps: Many energy providers offer apps that allow you to track your usage and spending. Tracking apps like Ivie help you to see how much you're spending on your heat in real-time.
3. Budget in advance: Look at last year's winter bills and factor in any known price changes to create a heating budget for the coming months.

Becky Lane, CEO and Founder of Furbnow says:

“The best way to reduce your home heating bill for good is to invest in your home's energy efficiency. Often there are quick wins to improve draught proofing and making sure easy areas of your home are insulated. If you want to reduce your heating bills and be cosy all winter, investing in your home's energy efficiency is the way forward.”

Furbnow offer a great energy check tool to help you find out what you can do to your home to reduce your bills for good.

What practical checks should you make?

We asked Becky in her experience what are some of things all homeowners should consider:

Some quick wins are to make sure your heating system is working at it's best.

• Make sure the radiators are bled so they're heating evenly. If the top of the radiator is cold and the bottom is roasting hot, then get your radiator key out and let the air that's trapped out
• Balance your system to make sure even heating around your home. You might have one room that's close to your boiler that's roasting hot and one further away that's freezing. That's a sure sign your heating system isn't balanced. To solve it, you need to speed up the water flowing closer to the boiler and slow down the water flowing further away from your boiler to make sure the heat is transferring evenly around your home. It might be time to get a professional in to help as it can be a difficult job if you don't have an afternoon to dedicate - call your plumber or gas engineer, they'll be able to help you out.
• Invest in Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs). This is linked to making sure your heating system is balanced - you may not want to heat some rooms, like your bedroom, as hot as others, like your living room. TRVs are relatively cheap and easy to install if you're used to draining radiators. If you're a bit less confident, then asking your plumber or gas engineer if the way forward.

This Month's Energy Efficiency Checklist

While a professional home energy assessment is always beneficial, here are some practical checks and actions you can take this month:

1. Insulation inspection: Check your loft insulation. If it's less than 270mm thick, consider adding more
2. Boiler service: Schedule a professional boiler service to ensure it's running efficiently and safely.
3. Radiator reflectors: Install reflective panels behind radiators on external walls to reflect heat back into the room.
4. Window treatments: Hang thick curtains or install window films to reduce heat loss through windows.
5. Chimney balloon: If you have an unused chimney, install a chimney balloon to prevent heat escape.
6. Try the Furbnow energy check tool to find what wider measures you might want to consider.

By taking these steps now, you can ensure your home is ready for the colder months ahead, potentially saving on energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint in the process.

Furbnow have also written an article about how best to get ready for winter if you are looking at wider energy efficiency measures.

To start your own energy efficiency journey today, book a free assessment call or request a quote for a Furbnow Home Energy Plan today.