Greenwich Mean Time: These are the devices you have to manually change when the clocks go back this weekend

This will happen at 2am on Sunday, October 29, and despite most electronic devices automatically adjusting to the new time, which appliances in the home will you have to change yourself?

With homeowners preparing to adjust clocks throughout the home this weekend, the energy experts at Utility Bidder have profiled the devices and appliances that won’t update automatically as we move from British Summer Time (BST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

James Longley, managing director at Utility Bidder has shared the following advice ahead of the clocks going back one hour this weekend:

“In Autumn, the clocks go back in the UK on the last Sunday of October each year, meaning this year’s process will take place at 2am on Sunday 29th October.

“Whether you’re partying and making the most of the extra hour, or simply enjoying the extra hour in bed, most technology in the modern day allows us to sit back and relax without any worry of this time change.

“Devices connected to the internet such as smartphones, computers, and TVs will update automatically, nevertheless, there are some cases where you will need to change the clocks manually - especially if you are relying on an analogue alarm clock to wake you up.

“In the kitchen, you’ll have to take a look at your microwave and oven to update the time. Each appliance is different, but ordinarily, if your microwave has a clock button you will need to press it down for a few seconds and set a new time once you hear a beep. Similarly with ovens, a clock feature with up and down buttons should be standard on newer versions. If in doubt, always keep your manual to check on any of these processes.

“The nights are also getting colder, so an important factor to consider is adjusting heating timings and settings. Smart meters and thermostats should automatically adjust from BST to GMT, but this may not be the case for older central heating systems, so be sure to check this so you aren’t wasting unnecessary energy from heating.

“The practice of changing the clocks back perhaps doesn’t have the same desired effect for energy saving and enjoyment of the outdoors as moving them forward in the Spring, and it remains to be seen how long this tradition will go on for in the UK, after the European parliament voted in favour of scrapping Daylight Savings Time. However, this notion has been stalled for now.”