The temperatures have finally dropped. It’s already well into October, and after the UK’s hottest summer on record, it looked as though the warm spell might hang around. But the evenings are drawing in, the jumpers are back out and many of us are facing the same burning question: when should we put the heating on?
It’s one of those household debates that rolls around every year. Some people switch the heating on as soon as September ends; others try to hold out until Christmas. With energy bills still a concern, knowing when to give in can feel like a particularly heated decision.
There isn’t one definitive day: the weather changes from year to year, temperatures vary across the UK and homes lose heat at different rates. But official guidance and the temperatures we’re seeing now give us a useful rule of thumb for when many of us should reach for the thermostat. Here’s what to know, plus a few clever ways to delay switching it on to help you save energy and cash while still keeping you snug.
The official date to turn on the heating and why
While we may not be able to say with 100% certainty (thanks to the ever unpredictable British weather) exactly which day it is, we do have a pretty educated hunch as to when to aim for. If you’re desperate for one to circle on the calendar, the last week of October is a fair rough marker for when many households may start using it more regularly.
Energy Saving Trust says people often start heating their homes when outdoor temperatures regularly fall to 15°C or below, which tends to happen in October. In fact, this week (w/c 19th of October) across the six UK cities we checked, daytime highs are around 11–14°C this week, although some southern areas could reach 18°C before rain and strong winds arrive later in the week. That means some households may want the heating on sooner, while others can wait a little longer; local conditions and how warm your home feels will make the difference.
The Met Office’s 18°C guidance rule refers to indoor temperatures, particularly for older people and those with health conditions, but generally speaking, the best time to switch on is when your home starts to feel cold – let’s see if we can prevent that from happening.
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How to delay having to turn on the heating
Make the most of the sunshine. When the sun is shining, open the curtains on the windows that get the most light and let the warmth in. Close them again as it starts to get dark, before the room has a chance to cool down. It’s a simple routine that can help you make the most of the brighter part of the day and keep some of that warmth around into the evening. Quite literally using what nature gave us.
Deal with draughts. A chilly breeze sneaking under the front door or through a gap around a window can make a room feel much colder than it is. Check around doors and windows for obvious gaps, then use a draught excluder or suitable draught-proofing strips where needed. Keep trickle vents and other ventilation clear, though – blocking them can make condensation and damp worse.
Close doors to rooms you’re not using. If you’re spending the evening in the living room, shut the door to an empty hallway or spare room so the space you’re in feels cosier. You don’t need to shut yourself away from the whole house; just try to keep warmth in the rooms you’re using. And if you do switch the heating on, make sure furniture and curtains aren’t blocking the radiators and that you only turn on the rooms that need it.
Add a layer before reaching for the thermostat. Sounds obvious but far too many of us skip this stage. A jumper, warm socks or a blanket can help you feel more comfortable while you’re sitting still, especially in the evening. A hot water bottle is another cosy option for warming your lap or feet. Check it for signs of wear and follow the filling and safety instructions – it should make you more comfortable, not become a scalding surprise.
Warm up cold floors. If you have bare boards or tiles, they can feel chilly underfoot even when the room itself isn’t too cold. Put a rug in the spot where you spend the most time, such as beside the sofa or under your desk. It won’t heat the room, but it can make it more comfortable to be in without reaching for the thermostat.
Keep moving. If you’ve been sitting at your desk or on the sofa for hours, you may start to feel cold simply because you haven’t moved much. Get up for a short walk around the house, make a cup of tea or do a few gentle stretches. It won’t heat the room but it can take the edge off that familiar bitter feeling.
Check the room temperature. A thermometer can help you tell whether your room is genuinely cold or just feels chilly after you’ve been outside. NHS guidance is to heat the rooms you use regularly to at least 18°C if you can, particularly if you’re older or have a health condition. If your home is falling below that, don’t feel you have to keep putting off the heating.
