The temperature is set to drop according to forecasts – but homeowners need to be wary of price rises
A business energy expert has claimed to have worked out the day to turn your heating on this autumn – and it’s not for a couple of weeks. And as the weather turns cold they also claimed that doing five things could save £400 on bills this winter.
Bionic Business Energy today revealed October 13 as the exact date to first turn the heating on. Les Roberts, business energy expert at Bionic, commented: “Forecasts show temperatures dipping to 15°C from October 13th, aligning with NHS guidance that homes should be heated when outdoor temperatures fall below this threshold.
“By late October, we’ll see a notable chill in the air, with temperatures dropping around 7°C over the month. Once the temperature falls below 15°C, it’s important to start heating homes and workplaces to at least 18°C, not just for comfort, but to reduce the risk of damp, mould, and even frozen pipes.”
Bills are set to rise again on October 1st, due to the energy price cap increase, with the typical household’s energy bills will go up by £2.93 a month or £35.14 per year.
How to slash £400 off heating and energy bills
1/ Turn your heating down by one degree
Mr Roberts said: “Dropping your thermostat by a single degree is a simple change that can make a big difference. While you’re unlikely to feel the difference in warmth, you will feel the benefit in your wallet – reducing your heating from 22°C to 21°C could save around £90 a year.”
He added that people shouldn’t be tempted to crank the thermostat higher when it’s cold outside. “Your home will still reach the set temperature, it just may take a little longer. Instead, consider setting your heating to switch on slightly earlier during colder months to stay comfortable without extra cost.
2/ Switch appliances and lights off
He said: “It may sound obvious, but switching off unused lights and appliances, rather than leaving them on standby, can lead to real savings. So-called “vampire devices” like TVs, games consoles, and phone chargers left plugged in can drain power unnecessarily, costing households up to £45 a year.”
3/ Install a smart meter
Smart meters give homeowners real-time insights into how much energy you’re using and when, helping them spot waste and take control of bills. Mr Roberts said: “Nationally, the smart meter rollout is expected to deliver around £5.6 billion, which works out to £196 in savings for each household in the UK.
” Installation is free and arranged through your energy supplier. With bills set to rise and colder weather on the way, book early to make sure you can start reaping the rewards this winter.”
4/ Draught-proof your building
Small gaps around windows, doors, floors, and skirting boards can let heat escape and cold air creep in, making your heating work harder than it needs to. Draught-proofing is a quick, low-cost way to boost insulation and cut bills, with professional draught-proofing saving households up to £80 a year.
5/ Consider switching energy supplier
Mr Roberts said: “No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you’ve let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven’t browsed alternative tariffs lately, you may not be aware that better options are available.”
