IT’S tempting to stick the heating on as soon as temperatures start to plummet and you begin to feel the cold.
But with fuel costs set to rise by 12 per cent people may want to delay cranking up the thermostat in order to save some money.
When should I put the heating on?
From October 1 the energy price cap rises by 12 per cent meaning the average cost for a household will rise by £139.
While there is obviously no set time for people to switch on their heating, experts say waiting until the clocks go back will save people money.
The clocks go back on the last Sunday of October each year, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time.
This year that falls on October 31, which is when you should set your watch back by an hour.
Experts say you should also wait until then to turn on your heating for the first time this autumn in order to shrink your bills.
Heating expert Jordan Chance told The Mirror: “Turning on your central heating is notably one of the sure signs that winter has arrived.
"Although there is no single temperature at which you should turn your heating on, many aim for the time when clocks go back, falling this year on October 31st."
It might sound obvious but you should only turn the heating on when you actually need it.
Even if you have the heating on low all day, it will still boost your energy bills.
Should I use a thermostat?
In short, the answer is yes.
People can make big savings by just turning down their thermostat by one degree.
A boiler roughly accounts for 60 per cent of a home’s fuel costs.
It’s estimated that turning down the thermostat by one degree can save a household 10 per cent of their fuel bill.
What is the ideal temperature my home should be?
This really depends on personal preference but many households will want to keep an eye on the bills.
The Energy Saving Trust advises that you should always set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature but should aim for around 18-21°C.
Although having the temperature set too low or even too high could put people’s health at risk.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the basic level of warmth required for a healthy and well-dressed person is 18°C.
On average, UK homes are heated for about eight hours a day in winter, according to the website LookAfterMyBills.
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