UK households told exact date to turn heating on - not in September

As the days get shorter and the weather begins to cool, many households face the question of when to turn on the heating for winter. Many experts point to the middle of October as the unofficial start of the heating season. Heating expert Matthew Jenkins at MyJobQuote has given his recommended date and temperature for your heating, which can vary based on personal factors. However, it is widely recognised that the middle of October is the ideal time to turn on your heating, with the most significant date being October 14.

Mr Jenkins explained: "This is often considered the start of the heating season for the UK, as it's when temperatures typically drop consistently below 15C, making it necessary to heat your home for comfort and health."

The World Health Organisation recommends an indoor temperature between 18C and 21C for a healthy living environment.

Mr Jenkins said: "Before you turn on your heating, consider a 'test run' by switching it on for a short period to ensure everything is working correctly. This can help you spot and fix any issues before the really cold weather arrives.

"When the heating season arrives, turn your heating on for 30 to 60 minutes before you wake up, allowing your home to reach a comfortable temperature by the time you're ready to get out of bed."

In the daytime, if you have a smart meter or a time-of-use tariff, Mr Jenkins recommended considering scheduling your heating to run during off-peak hours when the electricity prices are lower.

He added, instead of heating the entire house, focus on the rooms that you use the most frequently. Use room thermostats or radiator valves to control the temperature in specific areas.

At nighttime, it is recommended to lower the temperature of your home to around 16C to 18C, as this can help you sleep better and reduce energy consumption.

Mr Jenkins explained that it's best to heat your home based on the health and age of your household. If there are elderly people, young people, or people who are unwell, it is recommended that you set your thermostat to 20C.

If you have a newborn baby in the home, Mr Jenkins said it's best to heat the room to somewhere between 16C and 20C. This is because of the risk of sudden infant death syndrome - a condition which has higher risks if a baby is too hot.