The 3 essential tasks you need to do before turning on your heating this weekend

Temperatures are dropping and it’s officially starting to look like fall.

If you haven’t turned the heating on yet, that’s okay because there are a few tasks you need to do before you start heating up your radiators.

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Les Roberts, energy expert at Bionic said: “There will be a noticeable chill in the air at the end of October, with temperatures dropping seven degrees throughout the month.

“According to NHS guidance, Britons should start heating their homes and businesses as soon as the outside temperature drops below 15°C.”

Bionic has analyzed the weather forecast and revealed October 14 as the exact date you’ll first turn on your heating.

“Looking ahead to the weather forecast, October 14 will be the start of the temperature drop across Britain, with a forecast temperature of 13 degrees,” Les added.

“Temperatures are forecast to remain largely below 15°C until March 2025.”

Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared the tasks you should do before turning on the heating “to ensure your home is heated efficiently this winter”.

1. Clean your radiators thoroughly

She said: “Dust, dirt and debris can prevent your appliances and heating systems from working at full capacity, and can often force them to work harder and cost you more.

“Ensuring radiators and heaters are clean before using them will minimize the risk of blockages and keep them running smoothly this winter.

“Cleaning your heating appliances and keeping them free of dust and dirt also means they run more efficiently, use less energy and cost you less.”

2. Check for drafts

Laura continues: “Before you turn on the heating, make sure there are no places where the heat can escape. Draught proofing will not only keep your home warmer this winter, but it can also save you up to £35 per year. on your energy bill.

“Removing drafts from your home is a quick and effective way to reduce your heating costs this winter.”

Simple ways to make your home draft-free:

• Hanging thermal curtains and sun blinds and laying a rug for an extra layer of insulation, keeping the heat in and the cold out.
• Use fabric draft excluders for the gaps under doors around the house to prevent cold air from entering and heat from escaping the rooms you use.
• Fill gaps around doors and windows with self-adhesive weather stripping. These close the gaps between windows and doors, thus cutting off the escape route for the household heating.

3. Avoid obstruction of heat sources

“When heat sources, such as radiators, are blocked, they often have to work harder to compensate for the reduced airflow,” the expert said.

“To optimize the efficiency of your heating system, it is important to arrange furniture and other items in a way that promotes the free flow of heat from radiators, fireplaces and heaters.

“Simple adjustments, such as moving your sofa before turning on the heating, can not only increase warmth, but also significantly reduce your energy bills this winter.”

What temperature should the heating be set to?

“When the temperature starts to drop, it can be tempting to turn up the heating,” says Laura.

“However, turning up your heating, even just a few degrees, could increase your heating costs by as much as £171.70.

“According to NHS guidelines, homes in the UK should be heated between 18 and 21°C throughout the winter. It is therefore recommended that you adjust your heating according to the temperatures and your lifestyle this winter.

“For some people, such as young children and those over 65, who suffer from health problems, homes need to be heated slightly warmer in winter to keep them safe and prevent health problems that can arise from prolonged exposure to cold.

“The World Health Organization advises that the ideal temperature during winter for people suffering from health problems, the elderly and young children is 20°C, so homes should be heated according to government guidelines.”