Specialists share the date when they say Brits should consider turning their heating on
Astronomical autumn is just a couple of days away, and with households preparing for the colder evenings ahead, energy specialists have revealed when Brits should consider turning on their heating. Many UK homeowners debate when to turn their central heating back on, with popular calendar benchmarks including when the clocks go back in late October or the start of November.
However, most experts advise basing the decision on temperature rather than a fixed date. After months of intense heatwaves, and the weather staying fairly mild the last week, knowing when it would be suitable to switch the heating on again after not being used for so long may be tricky.
But energy specialists at energy consultancy Utility Bidder have revealed when they think Brits should start considering switching their heating back on. They have also provided tips for households to maximise warmth in their homes this autumn.
Madeleine Porter, Marketing Director at Utility Bidder, said: “With colder weather on the way, many households will be wondering when to bite the bullet and switch their heating back on. Research from The Energy Saving Trust found that 58% of people leave switching on their heating as late as possible, while 33% had already switched theirs on by mid-September.
“The ideal time to switch your heating on is when the temperature consistently drops below 15°C, and analysis of historical Met Office temperature data suggests this typically occurs around October 5, making it a useful date for when households should start thinking about turning their heating on.
“With energy bills continuing to be a concern heading into the new season, there are plenty of ways to get more from your heating without turning up the thermostat. From adjusting radiator settings to reducing heat loss around the home, small changes can help households stay warm while keeping energy use down.”
Health experts and organisations such as the NHS suggest turning on your heating when daily outdoor averages fall below 15°C (59°F) to protect against cold-related health issues. The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises setting your indoor thermostat to a safe and balanced 18°C during colder seasons.
How can you get more warmth from your home in autumn?
Put a shelf above your radiator:
“A correctly positioned shelf above your radiator can help push warm air further into the room rather than letting it rise straight up,” Madeleine said.
Make sure your thermostat is measuring the room, not a heat source:
Don’t hide your thermostat behind a sofa, radiator, curtain or furniture, Madeleine said. “It needs to measure the room temperature accurately, and if it’s behind a heat source, the temperature could be misleading. Thermostats should have a free flow of air in the home”, she added.
Tighten up your timers:
Madeleine explained: “Make sure your heating is working around your routine, so your home is warm when you need it most. Set your timers to come on just before you wake up or get home, and turn them off earlier in the evening to help your home retain its warmth without continuing to use energy when it’s no longer needed.”
Don’t heat the whole house:
Thermostatic radiator valves allow you to control the temperature of individual rooms. Turn them up in the rooms you use most and lower them in those that are rarely occupied. Madeleine said: “Ensure you take care not to let unused rooms become excessively cold or damp.”
Never dry clothes on radiators:
Drying clothes directly on radiators can restrict heat circulation and increase indoor moisture, which may contribute to condensation. Madeleine suggested: “Use a drying rack in a well-ventilated space instead.”
Block draughts before they steal your warmth:
“Cold air entering through gaps around doors, windows and floorboards can make your home feel colder even when the heating is on. Draught excluders, window seals and properly fitted curtains can help reduce heat loss and keep rooms feeling warmer for longer,” Madeleine said.
Don’t forget your letterbox:
A letterbox is effectively a little hole straight through your front door. A letterbox brush or flap can reduce draughts. Madeleine added: “It’s a quick DIY job that can help retain the warmth in your home.”
Use curtains to lock in heat, but don’t let them hang over radiators:
Madeleine explained: “Close curtains or blinds as the temperature drops in the evening to create an additional barrier against cold windows and reduce heat loss. However, don’t let your curtain hang over a radiator, as it can trap heat between the curtain and the window instead of letting it circulate in the room.”
