As winter approaches in the UK, discussions about when to turn on the heating are becoming more common. With colder temperatures expected this weekend and the end of British Summer Time, many are considering their approach to home heating.
Variations in regional climate can affect when households switch on their heating. While northern and western areas tend to be colder, individuals across the country have different strategies. For instance, Abbi Lily, a personal finance influencer, and her partner aim to delay turning on their heating as long as possible for cost-saving reasons, resorting to blankets and warm clothing in the meantime. She notes that temperatures in her area near Bournemouth remain mild for now.
The Energy Saving Trust advises that a thermostat setting between 18°C and 21°C is suitable for comfort. The World Health Organization has similar recommendations, suggesting 18°C for generally healthy individuals and 20°C for vulnerable populations. Weather presenter Simon King highlights that many people tend to activate their heating when outside temperatures drop to around 15°C for consecutive days.
Others, like Gemma Bird from Essex, prefer a scheduled approach, having been raised to turn on heating only after November 1. This practice is often shaped by economic considerations rather than comfort alone.
Aimee Blakey in Wiltshire shares her experience with a second-hand Aga, which retains heat even when not in use, allowing her to save on heating costs. She notes that operating the Aga has been less expensive than anticipated.
Additionally, Olivia Carney, originally from the US, finds the British fixation on heating timing curious, noting a cultural difference in attitudes towards heating.
With rising energy bills, Dr. Caitlin Robinson at the University of Bristol emphasizes the prevalent difficulty many households face in affording heating, underscoring the broader impacts of energy debt on mental health and social isolation. This context is particularly relevant as individuals seek to balance comfort and economic constraints during the colder months.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgqly9ynnd4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss