Have you put the heating on yet?
Annika Collins
October 2, 2023
As the nights are starting to draw in and the temperature begins to drop, many of us will wonder, ‘how early is too early to put the heating on at home?’
It may cause a heated debate within your household, or you might just give in to keep the majority of your household happy. But with the cost of heating our homes rapidly increasing, when is it socially, economically, or environmentally acceptable to turn on the heating?
It’s recommended that a healthy and comfortable temperature for our home is between 18-21 degrees. However, everyone’s temperature tolerance is different. Some people may also resist putting on the heating due to stubbornness, wanting to keep costs down, or may be holding out for that magic number to appear on the thermometer. Whatever the reason, before turning up the dial, we should consider the effect many heating systems have on our planet through the exhaustion of its fossil fuels!
Generating heat by burning fuel from non-renewable sources will continue to damage our planet by releasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. We all need to consider if we actually need the heating on, especially if it’s become a habit to turn it on as soon as October hits and the nights grow longer.
Cosy tips to keep you warm at home
To save money and lessen our impact on the environment, we can consider the following practical tips, which will leave us feeling comfortably warm and eco-conscious. Some of these suggestions are budget friendly and effortless, while others might require initial investment but will offer long term benefits:
- Put a jumper on. Simple I know but wearing shorts around the home in winter isn’t going to warm you up, especially if you’re not moving about. Thick jumpers and warm fluffy socks will help keep you nice and toasty
- Close the curtains. Even double-glazed windows will allow heat to escape. Closing the curtains, preferably thick and insulating ones, as soon as the evening draws in, will help prevent heat exchange between the cold air around the windows and the warm air in the rest of the room
- Draft excluders. Investing in draft excluders or making your own from unwanted textiles, for external draughty doors can significantly reduce heat loss. In extreme cases it could reduce your heating bills by a whopping 30%!
- Hot water bottles. Think about using a hot water bottle when you want to stay snug. They can keep you warm for as long as 3 hours, especially if they're covered, and they're more cost effective than using an electric blanket. Plus, did you know you can recycle your old hot water bottles?
- Use a winter duvet. Consider switching to a warmer duvet for the winter season. Opting for a 13.5 tog duvet can provide extra warmth during the colder months. If your home tends to get chilly overnight, you might even want to go for a 15 tog duvet
- Insulation and effective heating systems. Investing in proper insulation and cost-effective heating systems can prolong the warmth in your home, reducing the need for constant heating. Doing so will not only save you money but will also ensure a more comfortable living space for your family. While there might be initial expenses, it's worthwhile exploring available grants that can offset these costs
Remember,
staying warm doesn't mean burning a hole in your pocket or the ozone layer!
Remember, staying warm doesn't mean burning a hole in your pocket or the ozone layer!
With these toasty tips, you'll be snug as a bug in a rug without breaking the bank or turning the planet into a tropical nightmare. So, go ahead, pop your jumper on, snuggle up with your winter duvet, and enjoy your cosy, guilt free winter wonderland.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog represent those of the author, Annika Collins, and are not those of recycle-more, Valpak Limited or any other organisation.
