Forget the 'official' date for switching on your heating - this is when you actually need to turn it on

"The truth is, saying there's a set date is actually a myth. Dates aren't that important. When it comes to when to turn your heating on, other factors are more influential, and we're here to explain what these are. After all, getting it right isn't just for our own benefit - even though it's easy to think it is. The stark truth is that turning your heating on too late isn't just risky for your own well-being, but also the health of your home."

"It's unfortunately a case of don't believe everything you read when it comes to dates for switching your heating off and on. In the same way we look at when to turn off your heating in spring, there is one main factor determining when you should turn your heating on in the autumn - and it's not date related. It's simply the temperature both inside and outside your home that tells you when it's time to turn up the dial - not the calendar."

"Yes, you could argue that the first time the temperature hits the recommended number, is the date, but there's a second factor involved, and that's consistency. One-off drops in temperature can normally be dealt with by adding a few layers of clothing, or adding a burst of heat by firing up your fireplace for the night, but when the temperature falls for a longer period of time, that's when you know you can no longer avoid the inevitable."

There is no single calendar date for switching home heating on; temperature and its consistency determine timing. Heating should be used when indoor temperatures consistently fall to 18°C or below. Short, one-off cold snaps can be managed with extra clothing or a temporary fire, but sustained drops require central heating to protect occupant well-being and prevent damage to the property. Both indoor and outdoor temperatures, and how long they remain low, should guide heating decisions rather than relying on a specific date.

Read at Homebuilding