Revealed: The exact date you should turn your heating on this autumn,
It’s something that millions of households squabble over every year – when is it finally time to turn your heating on?
Now, experts claim to have settled the debate once and for all.
The team at BestHeating studied Met Office data from the past three years.
Based on their analysis, the experts claim that the best date to reach for the thermostat is 1October 17.
‘Our research shows that once temperatures are below 15°C, it is best to turn the heating on as we feel the chill more,’ advised John Klee, heating technology expert at BestHeating.
‘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 further.’
As for what temperature to set your thermostat at, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a surprisingly low temperature of 18°C (64.4°F).
‘For countries with temperate or colder climates, 18°C has been proposed as a safe and well–balanced indoor temperature to protect the health of general populations during cold seasons,’ it advised.
What date should you put your heating on?
According to BestHeating, you should consider switching on the heating in your home from October 17.
From this date, average temperatures aren’t expected to rise above 15°C for the rest of the year.
What time should you put your heating on?
When it starts getting chilly outside, you might be tempted to blast the heating all day.
However, this is actually an inefficient method – and can prove costly.
Instead, the Energy Saving Trust advises putting your heating on a timer.
‘Generally, it’s useful to have your heating come on around half an hour before you get up in the morning,’ it suggests.
‘Then, have turn it off again around half an hour before you go to bed.
‘If you’re planning on being out of the house, you can turn the heating off while nobody’s in.’
What temperature should you set the thermostat at?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends keeping your house at a temperature of at least 18°C (64.4°F).
‘Indoor housing temperatures should be high enough to protect residents from the harmful health effects of cold,’ it explains on its website.
However, certain vulnerable groups may require a higher thermostat temperature, according to the WHO.
‘A higher minimum indoor temperature than 18°C may be necessary for vulnerable groups including older people, children and those with chronic illnesses, particularly cardiorespiratory disease,’ it added.
