FEELING THE HEAT
Exact date you should turn your heating on to get the best savings on your energy bills while also avoiding autumn chill
An expert also offered her three top tips
THIS is the exact date you should turn your heating on to maximise savings on your energy bill.
With the weather turning, Brits are thinking about when to dial up the thermostat.
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Online heating experts BestHeating have crunched weather data from the last six years to determine when it's most timely.
The NHS currently advises to switch the heating on when temperatures dip below 15C.
This is because cooler temperatures can pose a health risk, particularly for older people.
According to BestHeating's analysis of weather data from the Met Office, Brits can expect temperature to dip below the 15C mark for good from November 17.
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Beyond that date, temperatures aren't expected to climb back over 15C.
It's a lot later than last year's prediction of October 20, giving Brits the chance to save some extra coin on bills.
BestHeating expert Jess Steele said most people will start feeling the chill and need heating from that time, Wales Online reports.
Jess said: "Whilst there isn't an optimum time to switch heating on, our research shows that once temperatures are below 15C, often around October or November, it is best to turn the heating on as we feel the chill more.
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"By the end of the month, even the hardiest among us will have our heating on to keep warm as temperatures are predicted to drop further."
It's tempting to hold off for as long as possible amid the cost-of-living crunch, but Jess cautions against maintaining too much of a stiff upper lip.
Thursday 5th September weather forecast
She said: "If it is below 13C outside then health issues can arise, especially in vulnerable people.
"With many worried about their finances, it can be tempting to hold off putting the heating on but be careful delaying this too long as this can hurt your body.
"For those struggling, we recommend contacting your local council or energy supplier as there are often grants and help available to keep you safe throughout winter."
What energy bill help is available?
THERE are a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Top tips to save
Jess also offered three top tips to win the battle of the bills.
Firstly, she says to only heat the room you're actually using.
She said: "Make sure to turn radiators off in rooms that are not in use such as bedrooms throughout the day.
"The one caveat to this is not to turn the radiators off in the room where the thermostat is located, or it could cause issues with the temperature of the rest of the home."
Her next tip is another simple one - dial down the thermostat by one degree.
She says 20.8C is the default setting in the UK, but 18C should be enough to get you by.
Her third trick is about timing.
She said: "To keep bills low, be clever with when your heating is turned on.
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"If the temperature is going to be lower than 10C, set it to come on an hour before your alarm to take away the chill.
"If you are out all day, then do the same in the evening."
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