Boiler expert reveals perfect time you should turn your heating on

An expert in all things central heating has revealed when you should be turning your heating on, as the colder months set across autumn and winter.

After the spring and summer months, where turning on your heating is somewhat of a rarity, it's time to get that thermostat set for when the temperatures drop in the dark evenings through to the cold mornings.

But when should we be turning it on? Well, it's a subject that has divided people for as long as we can remember.

There is no definitive answer, that's for sure.

Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert team got involved in the debate, explaining whether it is cheaper to keep your heating on at a lower temperature all the time or using it only when you need to.

And given that bills have just gone up, with energy regulator Ofgem increasing the energy price cap across the UK, it's a yearly decision many delay.

Over at boiler company BOXT, the team have explained when you should be turning the heating on if you've still got it off. It's not completely simple, but they do give a date, so that is something.

"Autumn is here, and the weather is gradually turning cooler," Andy Kerr, founder at BOXT, says.

Turn it up (Getty Stock Images)

"With chilly, rainy days filling our weeks, many Brits are starting to feel colder inside their homes, resulting in them contemplating whether to turn their heating on.

"While some might delay putting the heating on to save money, many are turning it on sooner rather than later to combat that chilly feeling.

"For consumers who like to stick to a schedule, we recommend turning on your central heating around the 27th of October, as this is when daylight saving time ends and temperatures begin to fall."

You might find yourself wanting to turn it on before this date. Well, on a practical level, it all comes down to the temperature and just how low it drops.

Your thermostat should not drop below 18C inside your home (Getty Stock Images)

Kerr adds: "Temperatures can vary from year to year, so switching on your heating in line with the weather is another good way to manage energy costs. A general rule of thumb is to turn your heating on when the average outdoor temperature drops consistently below 15 degrees Celsius to prevent your home from becoming too cold.

"Similarly, you can monitor your home’s internal temperature and turn on the heating when temperatures drop below the ideal temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius.

"With energy bills set to rise this autumn and winter following the October price cap, being energy savvy around your home will be vital to help cut costs."

The NHS recommends turning on your heating when temperatures get to 15C.

Your home should ideally be no less than 18C at all times for your own health, with colder air leaving you more at risk from respiratory infections.