It’s just starting to feel a little chilly at the start and the end of the day. One thing that’s on many people’s minds is the increased cost of heating their homes this year.

So, when should we be switching our central heating on? Not until the clocks change – according to PlumbNation.

Image credit: Polly Eltes

When to put heating on

The company’s central heating experts have said that we should be waiting until October 31st before firing up the boiler to heat our homes. ‘Turning on your central heating is one of the sure signs that winter has arrived,’ says heating professional Jordan Chance.

‘Although there is no single temperature at which you should turn your heating on, many aim for the time when clocks go back, falling this year on October 31st,’ says Jordan. This seems very late to us, but we’re keen to find ways to prevent any nasty surprises from our gas bill.

It also gives us plenty of time to finally learn how to bleed a radiator to ensure they’re working properly. ‘There are ways to delay putting your heating on, keeping you warmer for longer and saving you those extra pennies,’ adds Jordan from PlumbNation.

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Parmiter

Jordan mentions tried and tested methods such as using a draught excluder. Keeping curtains closed and investing in a thermal curtain lining will also help.

These options can prevent cold air entering and warm air from escaping, making your home much more energy-efficient. According to Jordan, there is no benefit in leaving your heating on low all day. Instead, turn the heating on as and when you need it.

We asked Andrew Collinge, heating product manager at BestHeating, for a second opinion. ‘Although there is no optimum date for switching the heating on, our research would suggest that most UK residents tend to have the heating on more regularly, around October 1st,’ says Andrew.

Image credit: Colin Poole

‘Those more of a hardy disposition try and leave it as long as possible by wearing extra layers and investing in draught excluders. By the end of October, even the hardiest among us will have their central heating switched on – just in time for National Radiator day on November 1st,’ he says.

Andrew also recommends doing a test run while it’s still warm to check everything will be working when you need it most. As for when should you turn your heating off, mid-March is a popular time. Although, this isn’t always realistic given the unpredictable British weather.

For anyone moving house any time soon, remember that installing a new boiler will add value to a home. When will you be cranking up the heat?

The post This is the day to put your heating on – and it’s later than you might think appeared first on Ideal Home.

Soaring gas prices have caused several smaller energy suppliers to collapse. If you’re wondering what to do if your energy supplier goes bust, there are some simple steps you can take for peace of mind.

Energy-saving tips are always a top priority as we move into winter. However, this year they have never felt more important as the UK is hit by an energy crisis.

The energy crisis is the result of rising wholesale gas prices, however, due to the energy price cap and cheap fixed deals companies are unable to pass this cost onto customers. This has left many companies struggling.

Over six energy companies have already gone bust in the last month, and there are warnings that many more could follow. Here’s what you need to know if your energy company goes bust.

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Parmiter

What to do if your energy supplier goes bust

First off the bat – don’t panic. Your gas supply will not be cut off if your energy company goes bust. You can erase any images of cold showers and no heating right now.

Secondly, you don’t necessarily need to do anything besides take a quick photo of your meter reading. Certainly don’t switch gas suppliers before you have been contacted by a new supplier. This is expected to happen in the next few weeks.

The energy regulator Ofgem will automatically switch you over to what’s called the ‘supplier of last resort’ if your energy company goes bust. This new company will contact you, possibly by letter.

Image credit: Colin Poole

You will be able to check who your supplier of last resort is on the Ofgem website. This is worth doing to protect yourself against fraud.

Given that millions of people will be getting letters through the post, there are a chance scammers will use the opportunity to make money. You can ring up your new provider’s customer service contact number to check everything is in order, too.

For now, we know that Ofgem has appointed British Gas to take over anyone supplied by People’s Energy The Sun reports. But, as we said, it’s a case of sitting tight for now until you’re switched over.

If your account is in credit and your energy supplier goes bust Citizen’s Advice webpage explains that your money is protected, and your new supplier will pay you back. On the flip side, if you are in debt to your last energy supplier, you will still have to pay this back.

Many are concerned about the increase in gas bills, but there are many ways to save money at Christmas which could help.

Image credit: Lizzie Orme

One small thing you can do is to take a photograph of your meter reading. Having a record of this will help the new supplier accurately measure your usage.

Once you have been switched to the supplier of last resort, ask to be put on the cheapest tariff. You are also free to shop around and switch if you wish. There will be no exit fees if you do so.

Which energy companies have gone bust?

1. HUB Energy
2. PFP
3. MoneyPlus
4. Utility Point
5. People’s Energy
6. Avro Energy
7. Green Supplier Limited

As Adam Fleming commented on BBC Breakfast on Thursday, the energy crisis is now affecting the larger end of the small companies. HUB Energy, with 6,000 customers, was the first to go back in August.

Avro Energy and Green Supplier limited together supply around 835,000 households. Igloo is reported to be in a precarious position and Bulb is seeking emergency funding. More companies are expected to go bust before the end of the year.

The important thing is not to panic, and follow Ofgem’s advice.

The post What to do if your energy supplier goes bust as gas prices soar appeared first on Ideal Home.