Being savvy with central heating

[Star2015]

Last year was the first year we had central heating (storage heaters previously)... and I went a little dial happy relishing in the fact that we could have pretty much instant heat when we needed wanted it.

EON had estimed our usage and of course we went right over and were £700 in debit by the end of last winter

We have been clearing the debt since but don't want to end up in the same position at the end of this winter.

We have switched tariff so we're on the cheapest one and haven't got the heating on timer just yet... but DH said this morning he thinks it's time for it to go on...

So, any tips for being economical with central heating?

Thank you!

Send in meter readings every month (unless you have a smart meter).

The rule of thumb is that the heating only goes on after October half term, but I put it on when I need a coat to go outside (because of the cold, not because of rain).

Use the thermostatic radiator valves if you have them.

Always have it turned off overnight and whenever you're out for the day.

Keep blankets in the sofa so you can be warm in the evening without having the heating on full blast.

Wear slippers (keeps your feet warm on hard floors).

A timer's really useful, especially one you can control using an app on your phone - we've got Hive. Means you can turn the heating on when you're 20 minutes away from home, or turn it off remotely if you forgot to before leaving the house.

Have thermostat radiator values on all radiators
Heating comes on for half an before we get up so house is warm when we get up.
Heating them goes on for if an hour before we get home so it's warm to come home to.
We then light a fire to heat house/water in the evening.

I have mine on for half an hour, off for 15 minutes. You don't notice the off periods and as the waters still hot the boiler doesn't have to work hard to start heating again.

The only rooms we Heat are bedrooms in the mornings for 40 minutes & lounge/bathroom when needed.

Just ordered mattress toppers with a fleece side for all dc beds!! Blankets all washed and on the sofas like already suggested. . Getting the 2 Lurchers a warm jumper each at the weekend as the utility is chilly!! Getting thicker curtains. .

Thick curtains with liners, not stupid transparent jobs. Ideally pelmets. Close curtains at dusk, open in the morning.

Shut doors every time. Check for external draughts.

Monitor that tariff - prices are up 30% this year.

Personally, I wouldn't have the heating on yet. We never switch our heating off - it's set to 18c in the hall and comes on when cold enough during timed morning and evening times. We normally 3/4 days of feeling a bit cold and will suddenly noticed it's switched on around the end of Sept/Oct.

You don't need it on for hours, just set it an hour or two am and pm (pm normally comes on before we start having showers/baths). If it's a really cold day you can extend the timings by an hour or two if you need.

As said take regular meter readings and given them to your energy supplier. Most will tell you instantly if your in debit or credit and you'll be more conscious of heating verses cost.

Wow! Thanks so much everyone, some great advice here... I will sit down with DH and read properly tonight so we can make sure we stay on track this year!

ifonly we are heating twins! Except we have just moved to a house after years in a flat with a downstairs neighbour who caned the hearing so much we barely ever needed any- I'm going to be in for a shock...

Ours is on 24/7 all year , thermostat is on its summer setting which is 16 and it hasn't kicked in at all yet not even overnight . When it's cold I generally have it at whatever I need when I'm up and turn it down to 18 overnight . It really is quite cost effective to not ever let the house get really cold .

If you are concerned about getting into debt again, consider getting ahead of it by going for a prepayment meter.

....which means no direct debit discounts.

No need . anyone with internet can monitor things by sending monthly meter readings. Easy.

Electric blankets, curtains around bed dressing gown to hot shower...
No heating in mornings upstairs, heat eating room ds if you have breakfast.
Have a luxury weekend once a month with heating on all day and do all the sorting, organising house jobs
I do heating on half an hour after I get in as I'm usually warmed up from outside and I go to bed earlier

It's a myth that keeping the heating on constantly saves money by the way:

www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-guides/is-it-more-energy-efficient-to-leave-the-heating-on.html

suki , I've no idea if it does or doesn't , I don't like having a cold house and I have a large 4 bed detached , I'm with British gas on a dual fuel tariff and pay £50 per month for gas so £600 per year and am currently at least £50 in credit according to the app ( no smart meter ) .

Wasn't trying to have a dig @floralnomad - everyone can obviously have their house whatever temperature they like - just thought thought you we're suggesting it as a cost-saving measure which it isn't (I only learned this when a Physics teacher friend explained why to me )

I never go above 18 degrees. I know people whose houses so warm - above 20 and I think you get used to it will cost you more.

If home I close the blinds/curtains in rooms I'm not using like bedrooms at around 3pm, this helps stop draughty come through. I use door draught excluders, have a blanket on the sofa, put my heating on timer to come on 30 mins before I get up and turn off 10 mins before I leave the house in the morning. I do the same for the evening, if I lived alone I'd just go to bed after tea/showering.
As others have said, set thermostatic radiators according to your requirements, if you have a fire then use this to warm a lounge rather than heating a house, always read your meters.

Try to get hold of a thermal infrared camera and take some pictures of your house. Our building society did that and at certain places the house was leaking heat like a sieve, with the photos it was possible to see where it happened, and take measures. Insulation and stopping unnecessary draught is key (think: weatherstrip adhesive and at a more advanced level: more insulation especially in the attic). I live where it's cold (outdoor temperature could easily drop far, far below zero in the middle of winter) but I would never for a moment consider turning off or down the heat other than marginally, especially not if the outdoor temperature drops! In spite of that it doesn't cost all that much to heat the entire house. Think about the effect of putting on a teapot cosy on the teapot and you'll get the picture.