With the ongoing cost of living crisis we are all looking for ways to save cash when it comes to electricity, gas and heating.
As the colder temperatures are approaching, many households will likely feel tempted to turn on the radiators as the winter chill creeps into our homes.
Experts have their hacks — and some even have a specific date for when it is the best to start using your heaters again.
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Energy prices have risen astronomically in the past year, creating a cost of living crisis in Ireland.
The cost-of-living crisis is now the biggest concern for people.
The living cost increase was fuelled firstly by companies going bust during the pandemic and then the Russian invasion of Ukraine sending wholesale prices spiking.
Several energy providers hiked their prices, including Bord Gáis Energy, Prepay Power, and Electric Ireland.
Keeping our bills as low as possible is vital – though no one wants to compromise on being warm at home.
It's inevitable that many of us will want to wait until the last moment to put our central heating on.
What date should you turn the heating on?
If you're feeling the chill and wondering when to turn heating on, this is when you should be planning on upping your thermostat.
An expert has advised even while temperatures are in double-digits, to switch on your heating at least once a week for thirty minutes.
Founder of Avenue Heating, Winston Davies, advised that October 1 is traditionally the best time to turn your heating on to avoid unnecessary problems down the line.
Mr Davies said: “While we’re still in high double-digits, I don’t think it’s necessary to have your heating switched on just yet.
“However, that said, you should be turning your heating on once a week for half an hour, just to keep the moving parts from seizing up when you actually need them.”
The heating expert explained his reason for turning on the heating from October onwards.
“The biggest downside is that people don’t turn their system on all summer and then try and use it when it’s really cold, only to find it doesn’t work!” he said.
“There are ball bearings in pumps and other hydraulic components that can seize up if not used regularly.”
The expert says leaving the heating on a low temperature of around 16C for one or two hours a day is enough to "warm up" the system while helping to save on energy bills, The Daily Star reports.
While you can set the temperature of your home to whatever you'd like, it's sensible to find a happy medium to make sure you're not wasting too much money and energy.
Another expert has a differing opinion to Mr Davies, and says you can also delay switching on the heating for another month.
Plumb Nation heating expert, Jordan Chance, said: “Turning on your central heating is notably one of the sure signs that winter has arrived.
“Although there is no single temperature at which you should turn your heating on, many aim for the time when clocks go back, falling this year on October 30.”
Jordan reveals you can get the best of both worlds, saving money on your heating bill, and keeping warm.
He recommends using a draught excluder, which prevents cold air from entering and warm air from leaving under the front and back doors, along with keeping the curtains close to lock in the heat.
Mr Chances said: “Investing in a thermal curtain lining can reduce heat loss by up to 25%.”
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