Electric heating is becoming increasingly popular across the UK, thanks to its flexibility, ease of installation, and compatibility with renewable energy systems. However, one of the biggest concerns for homeowners is cost.

The truth is: when you use electric heating matters just as much as how you use it.

By understanding electricity pricing, off-peak tariffs, and smart usage strategies, you can significantly reduce your heating bills, without sacrificing comfort.

In this guide, we’ll explain the best times to use electric heating, how tariffs like Economy 7 work, and practical ways to optimise your heating schedule for maximum savings.

Why Timing Matters for Electric Heating

Electricity prices in the UK aren’t always fixed. Many households are now on time-of-use tariffs, where the cost of electricity varies depending on the time of day.

This means:

• Electricity can be much cheaper at night
• More expensive during peak demand hours
• Variable depending on your tariff and supplier

This pricing structure exists because demand for electricity fluctuates throughout the day. When demand is low, typically overnight, energy is cheaper.

Understanding Peak vs Off-Peak Electricity

Peak Hours (Most Expensive)

Peak hours usually occur when demand is highest:

• Morning (6am–9am)
• Evening (4pm–8pm)

During these times, millions of households are:

• Cooking
• Heating homes
• Using appliances

This drives up demand, and prices.

Off-Peak Hours (Cheapest)

Off-peak hours are when electricity demand is lowest.

In the UK, this is typically:

• Midnight to 7am (varies by tariff and supplier)

During this window:

• Electricity is significantly cheaper
• Energy suppliers encourage usage
• Grid demand is low

In some cases, off-peak electricity can cost around one-third of peak rates

Economy 7: The Key to Saving with Electric Heating

One of the most common tariffs for electric heating is Economy 7.

How it works:

• 7 hours of cheaper electricity (usually overnight)
• 17 hours of higher-priced electricity during the day
• Requires a compatible meter

This tariff is designed specifically for:

• Electric heating systems
• Storage heaters
• Homes that can shift usage overnight

When Economy 7 Saves You Money

Economy 7 works best if you can:

• Use 30–40% or more of your electricity at night
• Heat your home or water overnight
• Use timers or smart controls

If you rely heavily on daytime heating, it may actually cost more due to higher peak rates.

The Best Time to Use Electric Heating

1. Overnight (Best Time Overall)

The cheapest and most efficient time to use electric heating is during off-peak hours, typically overnight.

Why this works:

• Lowest electricity rates
• Ideal for charging storage heaters
• Perfect for pre-heating your home

Best uses:

• Storage heaters charging overnight
• Electric radiators with timers
• Heating water via immersion heaters

By heating your home during this window, you can take advantage of the lowest tariffs available.

2. Early Morning (Smart Extension Strategy)

Using heating in the early morning (just after off-peak ends) can still be efficient.

Why:

• Your home is already warm from overnight heating
• You only need a small boost
• Reduces reliance on expensive evening heating

This strategy works especially well in well-insulated homes.

3. Avoid Peak Evening Heating (When Possible)

The most expensive time to heat your home is typically:

• Late afternoon to evening (4pm–8pm)

This is when:

• Demand spikes
• Prices are highest
• Energy usage is at its peak

Tip:

Try to minimise heating during these hours by:

• Pre-heating earlier
• Using residual heat
• Improving insulation

4. Smart Tariffs: Super Off-Peak Opportunities

Modern smart tariffs go beyond Economy 7.

Some offer:

• Ultra-cheap rates (e.g. 2am–5am windows)
• Dynamic pricing based on demand
• App-controlled scheduling

These tariffs can offer even greater savings if used correctly.

How to Use Electric Heating Efficiently

Timing alone isn’t enough, you also need the right strategy.

1. Use Timers and Programmable Controls

Timers allow you to:

• Automatically turn heating on during off-peak hours
• Avoid forgetting to switch it off
• Maintain consistent temperatures

This ensures you always use energy at the cheapest times.

2. Pre-Heat Your Home

Instead of heating your home during expensive peak hours:

• Heat it overnight
• Retain warmth with insulation
• Reduce daytime heating needs

This is especially effective with:

• Storage heaters
• High thermal mass materials

3. Improve Insulation

The better your home retains heat, the less you need to heat it.

Key areas:

• Windows (double glazing)
• Walls and loft insulation
• Draught-proofing

A well-insulated home can hold heat for hours, making off-peak heating far more effective.

4. Use Zoned Heating

Don’t heat the entire house unnecessarily.

Instead:

• Heat only the rooms you use
• Lower temperatures in unused areas
• Use smart radiator valves

This reduces overall energy consumption.

5. Combine with Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats can:

• Automate heating schedules
• Adjust based on your habits
• Optimise energy use

They also allow remote control, so you can avoid wasting energy when you’re not home.

Common Mistakes That Increase Costs

1. Heating During Peak Hours

Using electric heating during peak times can significantly increase your bills.

2. Not Using Timers

Manual control often leads to inefficient usage.

3. Poor Insulation

Heat loss forces your system to work harder.

4. Incorrect Tariff Choice

If you can’t shift usage to off-peak hours, Economy 7 may not be suitable.

5. Overheating Your Home

Setting temperatures too high wastes energy.

How Much Can You Save?

By shifting energy use to off-peak hours, households can:

• Save 15–30% on electricity costs in some cases
• Reduce peak-time energy consumption
• Optimise heating efficiency

The exact savings depend on:

• Your tariff
• Usage patterns
• Home insulation

Is Electric Heating Always Cheaper at Night?

Yes, but only on the right tariff.

Important:

• Standard tariffs charge the same rate all day
• Time-of-use tariffs offer cheaper off-peak rates
• Peak rates may be higher than standard tariffs

If you don’t shift usage, you may end up paying more.

Who Benefits Most from Off-Peak Heating?

Off-peak heating works best for:

• All-electric homes
• Properties with storage heaters
• Households with flexible schedules
• Well-insulated homes

It’s less effective for:

• Homes with high daytime usage
• Poor insulation
• Inflexible routines

Future Trends: Smarter Energy Usage

The UK energy market is evolving rapidly.

Emerging trends:

• Dynamic pricing tariffs
• AI-driven heating systems
• Renewable energy integration
• Smart grid optimisation

In the future, your heating system may automatically choose the cheapest times to run.

Final Thoughts

The best time to use electric heating to save money is simple:

Use it when electricity is cheapest, typically overnight.

But real savings come from combining:

• Smart timing
• Efficient systems
• Good insulation
• The right tariff

By shifting your heating habits and embracing smart technology, you can significantly reduce your energy bills while maintaining a warm and comfortable home.