Following on from our Cold weather heating tips and Summer heating tips articles, we wanted to explain the best practices for getting the most value from your electric heating system in Spring.
Prices are coming down, thanks to the Ofgem electricity price cap dropping by 7%. And you may find yourself using your heating less or being able to turn down the thermostat as outside temperatures rise. But how else can you stay warm while saving money this Spring?
Spring is an ideal time to transition your electric heating from winter settings to lower, more efficient usage. By tapering off usage and taking advantage of warmer weather, you can save on energy bills.
Adjust your heating schedule
Gradual reduction
Instead of turning your heating off suddenly, gradually lower the thermostat by
per week, which can save up to 10% on costs per degree.
Shorter ‘on’ periods
Shorten heating cycles. Instead of all-day heating, use it for 1–2 hours in the morning and a short burst in the evening to take the chill off.
Use timers
Set your timer or programmer to have the heating come on briefly, such as 60-90 minutes before waking up and after sunset.
Lower temperature settings
Turn down your room thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting (18-21°C) or lower.
Maximise natural heat and insulation
Open curtains
Open curtains early in the morning to allow sunlight to heat rooms naturally.
Close curtains at dusk
Close curtains as soon as the sun goes down to lock in warmth and reduce heat loss by up to 15%.
Keep internal doors closed
Close doors between rooms to keep heat in the areas you are using.
Maintain your system
Clean radiators
Spring clean your system by removing dust from radiators to ensure better efficiency.
Check for issues
Check for cold spots on radiators or poor performance, consulting with an electric heating engineer if you think there is a potential issue.
Smart heating habits
Switch heating off completely
Turn appliances and electric heaters off at the wall rather than leaving them on standby.
Lower storage heater input
If you have storage heaters and Economy 7, gradually lower the input setting as the weather gets warmer.
Lower water heater temperature
If you can, lower the temperature of your immersion heater or water heater.
Wear warmer clothes
Avoid the temptation to crank up the heat by wearing warmer clothing inside, say Belvoir.
Efficient Heating Solutions
Localised heating
Use small portable electric heaters for quick, targeted warmth in the evenings rather than heating the whole house.
Consider upgrades
If you are using old electric heating, spring is a good time to review your electricity tariff or plan for more efficient options, such as heating with heat pumps or modern electric radiators.