Households are being urged to check their heating controls before the clocks go back on October 25, to avoid the heating switching on and off an hour earlier than intended.
With colder weather arriving in the UK, many people are turning on their central heating for the first time this season. Ideal Heating is now urging households to check their heating controls ahead of the clock change.
If a heating programmer remains on British Summer Time, the heating could switch on and off an hour earlier than intended, meaning homes may be heated at times that no longer match when people wake up, leave for work or return home. Reviewing the heating schedule ahead of time can help ensure a home remains at the ideal temperature when it is needed.
Avoid the one-hour mistake that could leave you waking up cold
Chris Jessop, expert at Ideal Heating, has shared three heating checks to make when the clocks go back. He says, "Whilst your mobile phone and other devices automatically change to standard time, this might not be the case for your central heating system. Check your heating programmer or thermostat; most smart thermostats will feature a clock, programmer, or timer that updates automatically, but mechanical timers and digital controllers may need to be set manually."
"Depending on the type of timer or thermostat you have, you’ll need to make sure the time is set correctly, or you’ll be using your heating inefficiently. For example, a heating schedule set to start at 7 am would begin at 6 am by the new clock, potentially switching off before you need it to."
Don't let your heating run when nobody's home
"The clocks changing is also a useful reminder to check whether your heating schedule still suits your routine. Review your weekday and weekend settings, particularly if your working hours have changed or you’re spending more time at home. If your usual routine hasn’t changed, you may only need to correct the clock rather than alter your programmed heating times," says Chris.
"There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to home heating: a temperature that feels comfortable to one person may not suit another."
If you’re setting up a heating schedule for the first time, the Energy Saving Trust also suggests programming your central heating to come on around half an hour before you get up. Ideal Heating recommends using this as a starting point, then adjusting the timings to suit your daily routine and how quickly your home warms up.
Darker evenings don't necessarily mean longer heating hours
"Finally, set your thermostat to the lowest temperature you find comfortable. The right setting will depend on your age, activity level and individual needs," says Chris.
"Focus on matching your heating to when you need warmth, rather than automatically extending its running hours because the evenings are darker," he adds.
"Changes in daylight and shifts in routine can affect our circadian rhythm, the internal body clock that regulates when we feel awake or tired. According to The Sleep Charity, a cooler temperature of 16–18°C is ideal for sleep, as a stuffy bedroom can make it harder to fall asleep."
"Just like your ideal daytime temperature, your perfect night time temperature is unique to you. To create a regular sleep routine, schedule your heating system to adjust to your perfect resting temperature when you’re ready to wind down."
