An expert has shared the exact temperature you should heat your home to save money – and it’s not the 19C that most people aim for during the colder months.
During the winter months, having the heating on is pretty much essential if you want to stay safe and warm at home. But understandably, with bills climbing higher and higher, it’s not always a welcome thought.
Matthew Jenkins, a heating expert at MyJobQuote, advises switching on the heating once outdoor temperatures dip below 15°C. He said: “Outdoor temperatures of 15°C are when most people notice a change in temperature enough to comment on their discomfort.”
During the autumn and winter months, most people find an indoor temperature range of 18°C to 21°C comfortable. Stephen Hankinson, an energy efficiency guru at Electric Radiators Direct, recommends keeping home heating at the “ideal” temperature of 18°C.
By adjusting your thermostat to 18°C instead of 21°C, you could potentially shave 15% off your annual heating bill, based on average usage figures, reports the Express.
He said: “You’re unlikely to feel much of a temperature difference overall, but you’re guaranteeing a difference in usage – and costs.
“Reducing the temperature from 21°C to 18°C could potentially cut your annual bill by 15% – over £300, based on average usage figures.”
For those looking for budget-friendly ways to stay snug as temperatures fall, hot water bottles are a brilliant choice for frosty nights in, and “it costs about 6p to boil a full kettle”, according to the energy specialist.
An electric blanket is another excellent option. If households use one for three hours in an evening, even at “full blast”, it will only “set you back about 9p”.
For those not working in from home all week, introducing a heating timetable can aid in “saving money on your bills”. Having the heating kick in for roughly an hour in the morning, just before to your usual wake-up time, should guarantee a cosy start to your day.
Switching off the heating while you’re out and about during the day allows households to programme it to switch back on in time for their arrival, making sure it’s warm and toasty for when you come home.
Likewise, if you’re popping out for the evening or a couple of days, don’t forget to tweak the thermostat to dodge unnecessary spending.
