An energy expert has revealed the exact date you should turn your heating off to save money.
According to Gordon Wallis, Renewable Heating Specialist at Your NRG, the best time to turn down your thermostat is when the clocks go forward and we switch to British Summer Time. This will happen on March 30 this year. The clocks going forward usually means the start of warmer weather and longer daylight hours.
Of course, some households may need to keep their heating on beyond this date, particularly those with vulnerable or elderly people. Mr Wallis said: “While the exact date may vary for each household, a sensible guideline is to consider switching off around the time the clocks go forward at the end of March. This transition to British Summer Time often signals the start of warmer days, reducing the need for central heating.”
However, Mr Wallis warned against switching off your heating too soon, as this could lead to costly issues for your home. Instead, he recommended turning your thermostat down gradually while we transition into warmer weather. He said: “It’s important to remember that turning off your heating too early can result in problems like damp, mould, and even frozen pipes. These issues can lead to expensive repairs. Keeping your home at a consistent, safe temperature until conditions improve is a practical way to protect both your property and your energy budget.”
He added: “Simple measures like improving insulation, draught-proofing, and heating only the rooms you use can significantly lower energy consumption. For heating oil users, ensuring your system is well-maintained can also improve efficiency and reduce waste.”
His comments come as households prepare for energy bills to rise again this spring. The Ofgem price cap is currently set at £1,738 a year for someone with typical energy use who pays by direct debit – and the latest predictions point to another increase from this April. An announcement is expected from Ofgem on February 25.
Energy analysts at Cornwall Insight currently predict the Ofgem price cap will rise to £1,785 a year from April, an increase of nearly 3%. It would mark the third consecutive energy bill increase, after the Ofgem price cap rose to £1,717 a year in October 2024, then to £1,738 in January 2025.
But despite what its name suggests, the price cap does not actually limit how much you can pay for energy. What it does, is sets a cap on the unit rates you can be charged for gas and electricity, as well as the standing charges. This means if you use more energy, you’ll pay more – or use less energy, and your bill will be less.
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