Pre-heating is the practice of warming your home during off-peak electrical hours, typically when energy demand and costs are lower. By doing so, you can reduce the need for heating during peak electrical cost hours, leading to potential energy and cost savings. This approach is especially beneficial for homes equipped with solar panels, as it allows for the utilization of solar energy during daylight hours to heat the home for the evening.
Benefits of Pre-Heating Your Home
- Energy Efficiency: Heating your home during off-peak hours can be more energy-efficient, as it reduces the strain on the energy grid during peak times.
- Cost Savings: Utilising energy during off-peak periods or harnessing solar energy can lead to lower utility bills.
- Enhanced Comfort: A pre-heated home maintains a consistent and comfortable temperature, reducing the need for sudden heating during colder periods.
Things to Think About with Pre-Heating
- May Sure You Are On The Right Tariff: Some retailers offer free or heavily discounted energy pricing between 11am and 3pm when solar output is at its highest (even if YOU don’t have solar).
- Utilise Solar Energy: If you have solar panels, use the energy generated during the day to heat your home, storing warmth for the evening.
- Programmable Thermostats: Invest in a programmable thermostat to schedule heating during off-peak hours, ensuring your home is warm when needed without excessive energy use.
- Zone Heating: Focus on heating the most commonly used areas of your home, reducing energy consumption in less frequently used spaces.
- Maintain Your Heating System: Regular maintenance of your heating system ensures it operates efficiently, providing optimal warmth when needed.
Optimising Your Home’s Thermal Efficiency
To maximise the benefits of pre-heating, it’s essential to ensure your home is well-insulated and free from draughts. Proper insulation and draught proofing / weather sealing can prevent heat loss, maintaining the warmth generated during pre-heating. Regular maintenance of your heating system also contributes to its efficiency and longevity.
By adopting pre-heating strategies and optimizing your home’s thermal efficiency, you can enjoy a warm, comfortable living space during winter while managing energy consumption effectively.
People Also Ask
❓1. When is the best time to pre-heat my home in winter?
The ideal time to pre-heat your home in winter is between 11am and 3pm, when solar output is at its peak. If you’re using solar panels, this lets you make the most of your free energy—warming your home during the day so it stays comfortable into the evening.
❓2. Will pre-heating still work if my home isn’t well insulated?
Pre-heating is much more effective when your home is well-sealed and insulated. Without proper insulation, heat will quickly escape—so consider draught proofing and adding ceiling or underfloor insulation to hold onto the warmth longer.
❓3. Can I use my reverse cycle air conditioner for pre-heating?
Absolutely. Reverse cycle air conditioners are very efficient heaters, especially during daylight hours when they can run on solar power. Set it to warm your living space during late morning to early afternoon so the warmth lasts well into the evening.
What’s Next?
We hope this article has helped you learn how to use simple ways to make your home more comfortable and save on your utility bill. This in turn will help you on your energy and thermal efficiency retrofit journey to make your home more comfortable all year round, and reduce your costs and carbon emissions.
Next, explore Managing Extreme Temperatures on a Budget – CocooningIf you found this article helpful, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You’ll find many more helpful “How To” videos there. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop. For more great information on how to make your home more energy and thermally efficient subscribe NOW to ecoBites. ecoBites are free bite size chunks of the latest energy efficiency information making it quick and easy for you to absorb.
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