The exact date you should turn your heating off according to Met Office data
This is the date to turn your heating off… And it’s later than usual
With spring on the horizon and the clocks set to go forwards at the end of the month, warm weather is well within sight, and experts have revealed the exact date you should switch the heating off.
Using Met Office data, we analysed average temperatures over the past five years to reveal the date when Brits can look forward to hotter weather and lower bills.
Average temperatures generally rise above 10° Celsius (C) from March 7th but with the Arctic blast this year, cold weather has plagued the nation for longer, which means the date we can expect to turn our heating off has been delayed.
With typical temperatures consistently exceeding 14°C by March 22nd, this should be the date we can expect to turn our heating off, but that is not the case this year.
Due to the cold spell that hit the nation in early to mid March, the date that is predicted to be warm enough to no longer need heating will be 10 days later than usually predicted, on April 1st.
By this date, temperatures over the past five years have reached as high as 17°C (2021), and the weather is expected to be back to normal for the time of year.
Do the clocks count?
There is a common misconception that when the clocks go forwards is the time when heating is used less. But that is not the case in Britain where warmer temperatures occur very gradually.
There isn’t a specific temperature that heating should be turned off. But once the outside temperature reaches more than 14°C it is generally warm enough to do so.
Research shows that this usually happens at the beginning of spring. However, due to the Arctic blast setting us back this year we can expect to have our heating turned up from the start of April, when the weather turns warm enough.
Heating and health
With the current financial pressures on people across the nation it is tempting to turn heating off as early as possible. But be careful of the health impacts this can have.
The chance of increased blood pressure or cardiovascular disease rises significantly for a home that is below 13°C, when the body is also more susceptible to respiratory diseases. Therefore it’s vital to check your properties temperature before making a decision.
To help Brits get their heating working better and save money on bills, we have provided our three top tips to get the most out of radiators and a boiler:
Clean radiators
Dust and dirt build up in radiators and this can cause less heat to escape, so make sure radiators are part of your regular cleaning routine, and that they are thoroughly done at least once a year. Not only will this lower energy bills, it also has health benefits for those who suffer with allergies
Update your thermostat
Your thermostat works by monitoring the average temperature of your home and sending a signal to the boiler to ensure it’s never too hot or too cold compared to what it has been set at.
Older thermostats are less accurate and less efficient than new or SMART ones, so consider upgrading it to prevent wasted energy.
Similarly, if the thermostat is positioned somewhere that the temperature is constantly changing, it won’t be economical. It is best to keep it on an interior wall that is in a frequently used room located in the centre of a home.
Service the boiler
If radiators aren’t working efficiently or your bills seem higher than they should be, there is a good chance the boiler is the trigger.
This should be serviced regularly to ensure it is working safely, especially those with an older one.
The majority of manufacturers also require this to be done yearly for the warranty to be valid. There is no better time to service a boiler than when the heating is used less.
An engineer can do this in as little as 20 minutes and any small issues will be spotted before they become more dangerous and costly.
Jess has a passion for interior design and wants to inspire people to look at radiators as home decor. She enjoys keeping on top of the latest design and heating trends to ensure the Advice Centre has all the information and inspiration homeowners need to make the best choice for them.
