As the price of living continues to rise, many Brits are being forced to reevaluate their spending to see where savings can be made, from energy usage to the food they eat.
Luckily for us, spring is just around the corner, which means it's almost time for the central heating to go off for a few months, which will be a huge relief for many families struggling with the soaring gas prices.
But, when is the right time to take the plunge and turn that heating off? Well, apparently, it's sooner than you might think.
New research has revealed that the nation will be turning its heating off a week today, on Sunday, March 13, according to heating experts at Utility Bidder.
The experts have also shared their top tips on how to stay warm and save money on your heating bills as we approach springtime.
Utility Bidder says: "There’s no specific temperature at which you should be turning off your heating, as it will depend on how well insulated your home is (and what your ideal temperature is!).
"Better insulated homes will be able to keep warm even when temperatures are low into the early spring, but every home will be different.
"The most effective way to control your heating is to use a room thermostat that is set between 18 and 21°C.
"With many of us spending more time at home, you may have had the heating on more than previous years over the winter, and may be keen to switch off the heat early this spring, in order to save some pennies.
"With lots of us working and living in our houses still, our heating, light and energy bills are likely to remain higher this spring, and so there are a few things you can do to help keep your home warm, and save money on your energy bills."
Bleed your radiators
Bleeding your radiators is a quick job you can do yourself which doesn’t cost anything extra but can help save you money on your energy bills by improving the efficiency of your radiators.
Close your curtains
Closing your curtains and tucking them behind your radiator is a great way to keep heating inside the room instead of escaping through the window and walls.
Don’t cover radiators
Whether you are drying clothes or putting furniture in front of your radiators, all of these factors will block the flow of air, making your boiler work faster, costing you more money.
Also, make sure you regularly clean your radiators as a build-up of dust can prevent the heat from escaping.
Don't leave your heating on low all day
The heating experts said: "A widely debated topic is the idea that it’s cheaper to leave your heating on low all day however, this is a myth.
"In the long run, only having your heating on when you need it is the best way to save you energy and therefore money."
Make sure you use a timer as this will make sure you only have the heating on when you need it.
Don’t block radiators with furniture
You might not pay much attention to your radiators when you’re positioning furniture in your home, but this can be a mistake.
If you block these heaters with items of furniture, you can prevent them from warming your rooms as efficiently as possible.
British Thermal Units
When buying new radiators this autumn, ensure that you correctly calculate your BTU requirements in order to increase the efficiency of your heating and save money in the long run.
Pick a plan that’s right for you
It’s important to choose an energy plan carefully before you become tied into a contract.
You should consider how much energy you use, the type of fuels and how much you want to pay, as all of these things, have an impact on the cost.
For example, using only 100% renewable electricity will likely cost more per unit than electricity that comes from the National Grid.
Consider buying an extra rug
Not only may this give your room an extra design pop, but rugs can also add extra layers of insulation to your flooring, helping to trap cold air, keep your living room warm, and save you cash too.
Turn radiators off in rooms you’re not using
There’s no point in paying to heat areas of your home that you’re not using.
Whether there’s a spare bedroom that no one’s sleeping in, a study you rarely use or a dining room that you only sit down in on special occasions, there might be various parts of your home that don’t need heating for much of the time.
Turning radiators off in these areas can be a simple but effective way to save energy at home.
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