What we’ll cover…
- What is the ideal date to switch on the heating in the UK?
- Indoor heating recommendations from the NHS
- Tips for heating cost reductions
- How to efficiently schedule heating programs
- Options for financial assistance with heating bills
The exact date you should turn your heating on according to Met Office data
As the weather gets colder there is one thing on the nation’s mind; heating and when to switch it back on.
So, with that in mind, we have used UK weather data to reveal the exact date you should be looking to dial your thermostat up.
We have reviewed a load of Met Office data from the past five years to reveal how much longer we Brits should refrain from turning our heating on for the winter months, to help provide you with the advice you need to keep your bills low!
When should we turn the heating on?
Once temperatures outside drop below 15° Celsius (C) the NHS advises to put heating on for health reasons, which means that, in line with Met Office data, the date we can expect to use our heating is October 20th.
From this date, temperatures aren’t expected to rise above 15°C for the rest of the year, although 2022 was a particularly warm year and saw temperatures of up to 23°C in October (29th).
If we are to have similar weather this autumn, then it will be around November 2nd until the boiler is required to work hard.
Even the hardiest will turn up the dial
Whilst there isn’t an optimum time to switch heating on, our research shows that once temperatures are below 15°C, usually in the middle of October, it is best to turn the heating on as we feel the chill more.
By the end of the month, even the hardiest among us will have our heating on to keep warm as temperatures are predicted to drop even further.
If it is below 13°C outside then health issues may arise, especially in vulnerable people.
With many worried about their finances, it can be tempting to hold off putting the heating on but be careful delaying this too long as this can hurt your body.
For those struggling, we recommend contacting your local council or energy supplier as there are often grants and help available to keep you safe and warm throughout winter.
Keeping warm and lowering bills
To help us Brits get our radiators in good working order and to keep bills as low as possible throughout the colder months, here are three essential tips to keep in mind.
Only heat the room you are in
One of the simplest mistakes people make during winter is heating an unused space.
Make sure to turn radiators off in rooms that are not in use such as bedrooms throughout the day.
The one caveat to this is not to turn the radiators off in the room where the thermostat is located, or it could cause issues with the temperature of the rest of the home.
Doing this will improve the boiler’s efficiency, allowing rooms you are in to warm quicker and saving over £100 for heating, if used daily.
Turn the thermostat down by one degree Celsius
Research shows that by reducing a home’s temperature by a little, good savings can be made on energy bills.
20.8°C is the average thermostat setting in the UK, but 18°C should keep you comfortably warm throughout the colder months.
This can save up to 10% on a fuel bill or an estimated £80.
A clever way to assess if the heating is too warm is to turn the thermostat down by one °C and see how you feel.
Choose the best times of day to blast the heating
To keep bills low, be clever with when your heating is turned on.
If the temperature is going to be lower than 10°C, set it to come on an hour before your alarm to take away the chill.
If you are out all day, then do the same in the evening.
Anyone with a Smart thermostat will be able to control their heating more easily, as they can make sure there is no wasted energy when out at work or shopping and can also set it so that they return to a warm house that is cost-effective.
Also, you might choose to invest in an affordable modern electric heating option to heat a specific space as opposed to the whole house.
When will you turn the heating on?
Are you a hardy soul who will hold off from turning up the heat until you really need it?
Would you put on a few extra layers before touching the thermostat?
Or can you not wait for the nights to draw in and for those radiators to get warm?
Perhaps you have already turned on your heating and all of this is a moot point!
Let us know in the comments when you think you’ll fire up your boiler!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to NHS guidance, indoor heating should be switched on when outdoor temperatures reach 15° Celsius (C) or lower. This is due to the health risk that the lesser temperatures can cause, particularly in elderly or vulnerable people.
For further information, consult our blog, The exact date to turn on your heating.
It is suggested that October 20th is the best date to turn on your heating in line with data accrued from the Met Office. This specific date is put forward in accordance with NHS guidance surrounding switching the heating on when outside temperatures reach 15° Celsius (C) or lower.
To find out more, explore our blog, The exact date to turn on your heating.
The best date to turn on your heating is October 20th, in accordance with Met Office data. This date is suggested in line with NHS advice regarding having the heating switched on when outside temperatures drop below 15° Celsius (C).
For further information, browse our blog, The exact date to turn on your heating.
Jess has a passion for interior design and wants to inspire people to look at radiators as home decor. She enjoys keeping on top of the latest design and heating trends to ensure the Advice Centre has all the information and inspiration homeowners need to make the best choice for them.
