When should you turn your heating off in spring and tips for staying warm without it

Isn’t this weather just glorious? No doubt it won’t last though, as it’s Britain after all! Nonetheless, as winter finally gives way to spring and energy bills continue to climb, many of us are wondering when it’s safe to turn off the central heating. 

The key is to switch off at the right time, not too early and not too late. Get it right, and you’ll save on bills without making your home uncomfortable.  

But switch off too early and you could face issues like mould, damp, or even frozen pipes in a sudden cold snap. 

So when’s the perfect time to turn off your heating? 

What’s the ideal temperature in a home?  

Experts say you should aim for an indoor temperature between 18 - 21°C. If it’s 10°C or higher outside, your home should naturally stay about 10°C warmer, so you can probably switch the heating off, especially if your home is well-insulated.  

By the end of March, most regions in the UK reach an average outdoor temperature of 14°C, so by this measure, homes can stay sufficiently warm without the need for regular central heating.  

When should you turn it off?  

Turning your heating off at the right time can help you cut energy costs and, as bills continue to soar, every penny counts.  

According to Gordon Wallis, renewable energy specialist at heating oil suppliers, Your NRG, the best time to turn your heating off is when the clocks go forward, which was on Sunday (30 March). This marks the start of British Summer Time, which typically signals the arrival of milder temperatures. 

How to stay warm without central heating  

If you want to keep your home comfortable without reaching for the thermostat, try these tricks.  

Better insulation  

A well-insulated home is key to maintaining a steady temperature, especially during the unpredictable spring weather. Make sure your home is well-sealed to keep the heat in and the cold out.  

Help with insulation costs 

Insulation can be pricey, but if you get income-related benefits or are on a low income, you may be entitled to a grant from your local authority to fund energy-efficient upgrades to your home. 

Similarly, you can apply for support from the Great British Insulation Scheme. If your home has an energy performance certificate (EPC) of D to G or is in council tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland or Wales, you could be eligible for support. You can check your EPC rating.  

Turn down the thermostat gradually 

Instead of switching off the heating all at once, try lowering your thermostat by 1°C each week as the weather warms up. This gradual approach could save you up to 10% on your heating bill for every degree you lower it. 

Let the sun in 

If it’s a sunny day, open the curtains or blinds to let the sunshine flood into the room and heat it.  

But remember to close them again when the sun goes down to prevent heat escaping through the windows.  

Thermal curtain liners  

Thermal curtain liners can be a good addition, as they’ll block drafts and help retain more heat. They can be attached to existing curtains to provide additional insulation. 

Energy bill support  

If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, help is available. The first thing you should do is get in touch with your supplier. Some providers offer grants to help customers in need.  

Find out more in our guide on financial help from your energy supplier.  

You can also check whether you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to, by using our free benefits calculator. 

There may be other things you can try at home that could help cut costs. Find out how to save energy.