Exact date to turn on your heating named by thousands of households but waiting just seven days could save you £84
THOUSANDS of households have named the date they are planning on turning their heating ahead of winter.
But, wait just a few days after this date and you could save yourself almost £100.
A study of 2,000 homeowners with central heating found that three quarters plan on waiting until October 31 to turn their radiators on.
But, you could actually save yourself £84 if you waited just a week longer and turned it on on November 7.
That’s based on a household using a 24kW gas boiler for eight hours a day for seven days straight.
Of course, you could save more or less than this based on your usage, but it shows how delaying by just a week could be well worth it.
The study, carried out by utilita Energy also found that despite not having done so yet, 52% are looking forward to warming up their homes next week.
To help them refrain from switching on their boiler, 60% have been layering up, while 24% have resorted to electric blankets.
But even throughout the coldest months, 57% claim they will only put the heating on ‘for an hour or two’ to minimise costs.
What’s more, 45% plan on using an electric heater as well as their main central heating this winter, with 34% assuming it’s a cheaper option.
And 15% plan to completely replace the gas central heating with a portable electric heater – despite it costing three to four times more per hour, Utilita energy efficiency experts revealed.
A spokesperson for the energy supplier, which commissioned the research, said: “The first time you turn on the heating in winter marks the true arrival of the colder months – filling your home with warmth and comfort.
“We hope this important heating behaviour study will help people to realise the false economy of using a portable electric heater to subsidise or replace gas central heating, and afford budgeting households as much as 75% more heat hours this winter.”
The study also found half of households claim to be confident in working out the cost of an electric heater versus gas central heating.
According to the OnePoll.com data, 59% financially prepare for the rise in energy spend when it reaches the colder months, and the heating needs to come on.
Although 76% admit they will reach for the thermostat at the first sign of feeling uncomfortable or cold and 27% give into requests from other household members.
More than half (54%) will be prompted by a drop in the outside temperature, with it reaching an average of nine degrees Celsius before considering igniting up the boiler.
The living room is typically the room that gets heated up (33%), but 26% choose to turn the heating on throughout the entire house.
The Utilita Energy spokesperson added: “When comparing electric heaters to central heating, it’s important to consider both cost and comfort.
“While electric heaters can offer quick, localised warmth and are ideal for heating individual rooms, central heating provides consistent, zonal heating that’s far better for those on a budget.”
How to save money on your heating
There are countless ways you can save money on your heating bill this winter.
Blocking draughts in your home can easily save you £40 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Draught excluders typically cost around £20 to £40, but you can also use your own items laying about the house.
You can use radiator foil, which you put behind the appliances to reflect heat back into the room too.
You can get a roll of the handy stuff in Screwfix for just £7.51.
Heat activated fans can be placed on wood burners and even certain types of gas fire to throw heat into the main part of the room too.
You can pick these up from the likes of B&Q for as little as £15.
What energy bill help is available?
There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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