Energy bills: When should I turn my heating on in the UK?

In many areas, nighttime temperatures could plummet to as low as 6°C, with daytime highs averaging around 13°C.

With colder nights drawing in, experts are advising that now could be the right time to turn your heating back on at home, to maintain a comfortable environment and avoid any potential health issues.

Stephen Hankinson, managing director at Electric Radiators Direct, explained: “There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to when you should turn on your heating, as it varies from person to person.

“The effectiveness of your heating system can also depend on the type of house you live in – newer homes with better insulation may retain heat more efficiently, while older houses might need more frequent heating adjustments to stay comfortable.

“However, the NHS suggests that once temperatures fall below 15°C, it’s a good idea to start heating your home.

“Ideally, aim to keep your living spaces at a minimum of 18°C, although many people prefer their living rooms to be a bit warmer.

“With temperatures dropping below 15°C as early as this week, you could find your home starts to feel a bit chilly, especially if it’s not well insulated.

“As we approach the end of the month, even those who of us are usually resilient to the cold will likely want to start heating their homes, as temperatures are expected to drop even further in the weeks to come.”

It is also recommended that you test your heating system before the weather gets too cold.

Stephen added: “Before the cold weather sets in, it's a good idea to run a few quick checks on your heating system too.

“Turn it on for a few hours to test it. This will give you plenty of time to identify any issues such as cold spots on radiators (that may need bleeding), or leaky radiators (that may need repairing or replacing).

“And if you're aiming to cut down on energy costs this winter, it's essential to know the simple strategies that can help reduce your bills.”