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Delay Heating: Save Energy and Money

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, January 13th 2026 at 19:20 GMT by Daily Express

The Timing is Everything: When to Engage Your Heating System

The core recommendation from BOXT and other energy advisors is simple: delay turning on your heating until it's genuinely needed. The advice isn't to leave your home freezing, but to avoid proactively warming empty spaces. Instead of setting the thermostat an hour or more in advance, BOXT suggests activating the heating approximately one hour before you typically wake up, and similarly in the evenings when you plan to be home and require warmth. This proactive, rather than preemptive, approach can significantly reduce energy consumption.

Why does this small change matter? Homes retain heat for a considerable time. Starting your heating an hour early, when a house is already relatively warm, simply heats the already-heated air. This is energy expended without providing a tangible comfort benefit. A well-insulated home can maintain a reasonable temperature for several hours, reducing the need for early heating activation.

The Rise of Smart Thermostats: Automation and Control

For many homeowners, implementing this delayed heating strategy manually can be inconvenient. This is where smart thermostats offer a valuable solution. These devices allow for the automation of heating schedules, eliminating the guesswork and potential for forgotten adjustments. Users can program specific on and off times, tailored to their routines, ensuring heating is only active when required.

Beyond simple scheduling, the remote control capabilities of smart thermostats are a major advantage. Unexpected changes to plans, such as a late return home from work, can easily trigger an adjustment via a smartphone app, preventing unnecessary heating cycles. These systems often learn user habits over time, further optimizing heating patterns and maximizing energy savings. Many modern smart thermostats also offer integration with other smart home devices, allowing for coordinated energy management.

Quantifying the Savings: Small Changes, Big Impact

While the immediate comfort benefits of adjusted heating schedules are evident, the financial rewards are significant. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has consistently highlighted the potential for savings through modest thermostat adjustments. According to the EST, reducing your thermostat by just one degree Celsius can lead to savings of approximately GBP110 per year. While this figure represents a baseline, turning on the heating later, combined with other energy-saving measures, could potentially exceed this saving.

Consider a household that currently turns on their heating two hours before waking up. By shifting that activation to just one hour before, and adopting a lower overall temperature setting, the cumulative effect on energy bills can be substantial. This doesn't require dramatic lifestyle changes; it's about mindful adjustments to existing habits.

Beyond Timing: Insulation and Other Efficiency Factors

It's important to note that the timing of heating activation is just one piece of the energy efficiency puzzle. Proper insulation remains paramount. Poorly insulated homes lose heat far more rapidly, negating the benefits of even the most carefully planned heating schedules. Regularly checking and maintaining heating systems is also vital, ensuring they operate at peak efficiency. Consider government incentive programs and rebates often available to assist with home energy efficiency upgrades, such as insulation or smart thermostat installation. As 2026 progresses, continued innovation in heating technology and energy management will undoubtedly offer even more opportunities to optimize home warmth and minimize costs.