7 Ways to Stay Warm, Save Money, and Delay Turning the Central Heating On

With the longer nights rolling in, temperatures dropping, and the October price cap rise, switching on the heating has become more expensive than ever. Here are some great tips to stay warm at home without breaking the bank.

To put things in perspective, back in 2010, electricity was just 12p/kWh – half of what it costs now. As costs keep rising, with energy companies charging 24.5p/kWh on most tariffs, finding ways to stay warm this season and reduce energy consumption to manage expensive energy bills is especially important.

How much does it cost to run the central heating for one hour or one night?

The overall cost of running central heating depends on factors such as the type of boiler you have and the size of your home. For the average UK home with a fully serviced 24 kW boiler, it costs approximately £1.68 an hour. That’s around £14 a night, £98 over a week, and £1,372 for the entire winter season based on 7 days a week use over four months.

Is it cheaper to leave the central heating on low all day or turn it on and off as needed?

Neither approach is optimal. Manually switching your heating on and off wastes energy as the system reheats from scratch each time. Leaving it on low all day heats an empty home unnecessarily. The best solution is to use a timer to regulate heating, ensuring it only operates when needed. Additionally, consider focusing heat on specific rooms by adjusting radiator valves to different temperatures depending on usage.

Tips to Avoid Turning on the Heating:

1. Layer Up with Warm Clothing
   Wear additional layers, such as thermal socks and fleece jumpers, to retain body heat. Materials like wool and fleece are excellent insulators.
2. Keep Doors Closed to Trap Warmth
   Close off unused rooms to keep heat concentrated where it’s needed. This prevents warmth from escaping into less-used areas.
3. Open and Close Curtains to Manage Temperature
   Let natural sunlight in during the day to warm your home, and close curtains at night to retain heat. Thermal curtains provide added insulation against cold air.
4. Use a Hot Water Bottle
   Focus on warming yourself rather than the entire house. A hot water bottle is a simple way to stay cosy for hours without significant energy usage.
5. Insulate Your Home
   Insulation reduces heat loss. Add loft insulation, seal gaps in walls, and use rugs to keep floors warm. These measures help retain heat and reduce reliance on central heating.
6. Seal Draughts to Retain Heat
   Seal gaps around windows, doors, and other areas where cold air can creep in. Use draught excluders and foam sealants to maintain warmth inside.

The Role of Humidity in Heating Costs

Heating moist air is more expensive because it requires heating both air and water molecules. Managing indoor humidity with a dehumidifier can help reduce heating costs by making it easier to heat dry air. This also prevents issues like dampness, mould, and condensation.

Use a Dehumidifier to Increase Warmth

A dehumidifier not only reduces humidity but also improves heating efficiency by making your home feel warmer. This reduces the energy required to maintain comfortable temperatures. Additionally, using a dehumidifier avoids the need to open windows for ventilation, keeping the warmth inside.