Hour by Hour: Crafting a Heating Schedule that Fits Your Lifestyle

7 February 2024 Cariad Marketing

An effective heating schedule is your secret weapon in the cold winter months. It not only boosts your comfort level but also slashes heating bills and shrinks your carbon footprint. Imagine – a warm haven without breaking the bank or harming the planet!

But how many hours a day should your heating actually be on and when is the best time to turn it on?

Understanding Your Heating System

Choosing the right heating system and using it efficiently can significantly impact your comfort, energy bills, and environmental footprint.

Types of heating systems and their characteristics

Central heating systems

  • Gas central heating: Most common system in the UK, powered by natural gas. It’s efficient, but relies on fossil fuels.
  • Electric central heating: Can be greener if using renewable energy sources, but generally less efficient than gas.
  • Oil central heating: Uses oil-fired boilers, common in rural areas without gas connections. More expensive than gas and higher carbon emissions.
  • Renewable heating: Includes heat pumps (ground source, air source, hybrid), biomass boilers, and solar thermal systems. More environmentally friendly but can have much higher upfront costs.

Non-central heating systems

  • Electric heaters: Various types like radiators, fan heaters, and panels. Offer individual room control but can be less efficient than central heating.
  • Solid fuel heating: Open fireplaces, wood-burning stoves. Cosy and efficient if used correctly, but requires attention, contributes to air pollution and could lead to a fine if used in smoke control areas.

Identifying the optimal temperature for comfort and energy savings

The ideal temperature usually depends on personal preference, activity level, and occupants’ age. Over the winter months, adjusting your heating to a comfortable temperature between 18 and 20°C should help to keep you warm.

The World Health Organisation recommends 18-21°C for living areas and 16-18°C for bedrooms. And 18°C is the minimum temperature any room should be to ensure good health (based on a healthy adult wearing warm clothing). Temperatures should always be adjusted to accommodate an individual’s health conditions.

How Many Hours a Day Should Heating Be On (UK)

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how many hours a day you should use your heating. Most people keep their heating on for a little over five hours on a winter day with an average temperature of 19°C. But it really depends on various factors such as weather conditions, insulation and personal preference.

Weather conditions

  • Winter: During the coldest months (December-February), you’ll likely need heating for 7-10 hours per day, depending on severity.
  • Spring and Autumn: Milder months might require heating for 2-4 hours daily, or not at all on warmer days.
  • Summer: Heating is typically unnecessary in summer unless for specific uses like heating water.

Insulation

Well-insulated homes may only need heating for 6-8 hours even in winter, as they retain heat better. Poorly insulated homes might require 10-12 hours or more of heating to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Personal preference

Some people prefer warmer temperatures (19-21°C), requiring longer heating periods, while others are comfortable with cooler settings (16-18°C), reducing heating needs. If you stay at home or work from home, you will likely need the heating to be on and therefore use more energy than someone who goes out to work every day.

It’s okay to adjust your heating based on your daily needs and comfort level. The key is to be mindful of the factors mentioned above and avoid unnecessary heating to save energy and costs.

Best Time to Put Heating On

There’s no single “best” time to turn on your heating in the UK, as it depends on several factors influencing comfort and energy efficiency. However, many recommend the heating should be switched on when outdoor temperatures reach 15°C or lower.

Tips for optimising warmth:

  • Bundle up with warm clothes indoors instead of relying solely on heating for comfort
  • Open curtains during sunny periods to allow natural heat gain and maximise sunlight
  • Draughty windows and doors can significantly impact heat loss so seal any air leaks for better heat retention
  • Regular servicing of your boiler ensures efficient operation and optimises heat output

You should set the central heating programme to come on around half an hour before you get up, and go off around half an hour before you go to bed. And if the house is empty during the day, or you can manage without heating during the day, make sure you’ve set the programmer to go off for this period too.

Storage Heaters

If you have Economy 7, the cheapest time of day to use electrical devices is during off-peak hours when your local energy rates are lower, overnight and during the early hours of the morning. This is where electric storage heaters can save you money. They are designed to store heat during the night, and slowly release it into the room during the day. However, even off-peak electricity is more expensive than gas, and even the most efficient storage heaters produce less heat in the evening when you need it most.

Get in touch for more heating advice

It’s essential to create a heating schedule that keeps you warm and comfortable while keeping heating costs low and being mindful of the environment. And that starts by choosing the right heating system for your space.
Trench heating offers long-term savings due to its energy efficiency, long lifespan, space savings and reduced maintenance. If you’re considering the best heating solution for your home or workspace, contact The Trench Grille Centre.


FAQs

How many hours a day should I put my heating on?

The number of hours depends on factors like insulation, weather, and personal comfort. Generally, 7-9 hours a day are typical during the colder months.

What is a good heating schedule?

A good schedule balances comfort and efficiency. Consider programming your heating to turn on before waking up, decrease when away, and increase before returning home.

Is it cheaper to leave the heating on low all day?

No, it’s generally more cost-effective to use a timer or thermostat to heat your home only when needed. Keeping the heating on low all day can waste energy and money.

What is the most efficient time to put on heating?

The most efficient time is when you need it most, such as in the morning before waking up and in the evening when returning home. Adjust based on your schedule and weather patterns.

What temperature should a UK house be?

A comfortable temperature for most UK homes is around 18–21 °C (64–70 °F). Adjust according to personal preference and health needs.

Why is my house so cold even with the heating in the UK?

Possible reasons include poor insulation, draughts, heating system issues, or incorrect thermostat settings.

What month should I put the heating on in the UK?

Typically, the heating season starts around late September or early October as temperatures drop. However, it varies based on personal preference and local weather conditions.

What temperature is too cold for a house in the UK?

Below 16°C (61 °F), it is considered too cold for comfort and can lead to health issues. Ensure your home stays adequately heated during the colder months.

Does turning the heat on and off cost more?

Constantly turning the heat on and off can lead to short-term spikes in energy usage, but overall, it’s more efficient than leaving it on at a high level. Use a timer or programmable thermostat for optimal efficiency.

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