Did you know that the 1st October was official ‘Central Heating Day’? According to a recent article published by the BBC news service, the 1st October is the day most people turn their central heating back on and as the weather turns colder the thermostats chug back into action.

Rising costs of home heating mean people try to hold out for as long as possible before turning their central heating back on. Lucky though we are to have this ‘standard’ luxury, most people take central heating for granted. However, the BBC article explores the ways in which our lives have changed as central heating became common place.

People no longer ‘dress’ for cold weather in their homes – favouring watching telly in a t-shirt, despite temperatures plunging outside. A modern condensing boiler and central heating system have changed the way we furnish and decorate our homes. Out have gone heavy curtains, thick carpets and small dingy rooms, replaced by designer blinds, open plan living and laminate flooring.

The flip side is people gathered as a family to keep warm but still interacted with each other, but today everyone spends more time alone in separate rooms in front of a telly or computer. Let us not forget the impact on carbon emissions and the environment.

So, instead of complaining about the cost of gas and electric prices, why not appreciate the luxury of central heating in your home and the freedom it provides. But, also try to do something for the environment and turn your thermostat down! Average homes set their thermostat at 22 degrees, but surely you could lose a degree or two by simply wearing a cardigan?

Good news for consumers as the energy companies are set for a full scale price war this winter. According to the energy companies, ‘officially’ the 1st October is the beginning of the winter period, which lasts through until the 31st March. This new pricing period will mean new tariffs for some of the UK’s biggest energy suppliers. However, you do not get something for nothing in this life and to benefit you have to be “in it to win it”, so to speak!

Customers have to elect to change their pricing tariffs in order to benefit from cost cutting deals (such as duel fuel). Research by Moneysupermarket has shown that the difference in savings between a standard tariff and a companies ‘best deal’ can be around £240 a year. However, Ofgem, the energy regulations board, have conducted research which shows that up to ten million households (nearly forty per cent of all homes) are stuck on standard tariffs!

So, if you want to take advantage of some great deals, such as British Gas’s WebSaver 4 tariff which is currently £134 cheaper than the standard tariff, or Scottish Powers duel fuel 7 tariff, which is a whopping £387 cheaper than their standard tariff, then you need to pick up the phone, or go on-line and get yourself the best deal! Also ask your energy supplier if you can benefit from paying your bill on-line, or by direct debit each month, as these payment methods will often be rewarded with additional discounts.

It is also worth noting that tariff rates are normally based on ‘medium’ users (as opposed to light or heavy users), so check out your usage before committing yourself and make sure you really are getting the best deal possible.