As temperatures across the UK continue to drop, households are increasingly relying on central heating to keep their homes warm. However, running the heating throughout the day can quickly become costly, so specialists recommend using it as efficiently as possible.
Recommended Heating Times
Stephen Hankinson, heating expert at Electric Radiators Direct, said: "The NHS suggests that once temperatures fall below 15°C, it's a good idea to start heating your home." He added that as temperatures fall below this, particularly during mornings and evenings, it is the perfect time to prepare and set a heating routine.
Rather than leaving the heating on continuously, it is more economical to run it in shorter intervals. Hankinson recommends switching the heating on for a short burst between 6.30am and 7.30am in the mornings, which "takes the edge off the chill as you get out of bed" without wasting energy.
Evening Settings and Exceptions
In the evenings, the best time to put the heating on is usually between 5pm and 9pm, when most people are back at home and temperatures naturally start to fall. He suggests setting the thermostat to approximately 18°C to 21°C rather than adjusting it repeatedly during the day.
For properties with condensation problems, running the heating more regularly may be preferable. Hankinson said: "In this case, keeping the heating on at a steady level throughout the day is wise, as condensation is less likely to build on warm surfaces such as walls and windows." He also noted that north-facing properties may require additional heating, as they benefit from less natural sunlight.
