Many households are looking for ways to save on their heating bills – including when to turn the thermostat off for the year
An expert has revealed the best date to turn your heating off this year – and it’s not too far away.
Chilly weather can wreak havoc in homes, causing everything from burst pipes to mould and condensation. Because of this, it’s wise to keep heating your home through winter to avoid pricy repairs.
However, as energy costs rise with the latest price cap hike, Brits may be wondering how much longer it is until they can turn their thermostat off for the season. The general opinion among experts seems to be that the beginning of British Summer Time (March 30, 2025) is the time to switch off, reports the Express.
Ricky Sharma, director of Engineering Real Results, said: “High energy costs continue to place a huge strain on household finances across the UK, so many of us are keenly awaiting the end of the colder months. However, it’s important not to jump the gun as switching the heating off too early can leave your home vulnerable to damage such as mould and damp.
“While the exact date is a decision for each family, it’s usually safe to do so on the day the clocks go forward to mark the arrival of British Summer Time. That means we have another while to wait until the end of March so we can save some welcome cash on energy bills while staying nice and cosy at home.”
Come Sunday, March 30, we’ll be springing forward into daylight saving time, which is set to remain until Sunday, October 26 this year. For those looking to slash their energy costs before the lighter evenings kick in, an expert has shared some savvy tips.
Keeping your home well-insulated remains key, and heating only the rooms you’re using can also cut costs. Gradually dialling down the thermostat can have a significant impact too, without having to switch it off entirely before it’s safe to do so.
“Homes can face a range of problems if they’re not kept warm enough, from damp and mould to frozen pipes,” he warned. Skimping on heating could backfire financially if it results in expensive repairs, he cautioned.
“The good news is that at this time of year the temperatures are creeping up slowly, and it will soon be safe to switch off the boiler for a few months.”
He suggests a balanced approach: “It might be a good compromise to reduce the temperature of your thermostat by 1C each week until it’s time to switch it off completely. Research has shown reducing the thermostat by even 1C can reduce your heating bill by 10 percent or more, which can make a huge difference to household finances.”
