Experts reveal date you should turn your heating on to save thousands in repair bills

With autumn now in full swing, we're officially in the awkward time of year where you need a hat and gloves at 8am, but have stripped down to a T-shirt by mid-afternoon.

But with the autumnal weather expected to take a turn in the coming weeks, the annual debate on when to turn your central heating on is back.

A quick discussion among the office revealed that some people have intermittently popped their heating on and off for several weeks, while others staunchly vow to keep their 'leccy bills down until November at the earliest.

It goes without saying that there are several varying factors that will determine how early you put your heating on, like how new or old your home is, if you have anyone vulnerable living at home and how much time you actually spend there.

The temperature is set to drop later this month (Getty Stock Images)

Nevertheless, somewhere in the middle of a broad timeline, there is actually an ideal time to turn your heating on, not just for your own comfort levels, but for the safety of your home too.

And if you miss it, you could be putting yourself at risk of future expense if it gets cold enough for frozen pipes or mould build-up.

As it turns out, you have a little under two weeks to go until you can swap dressing gowns and fluffy socks for warming your toes next to the radiator, as Les Roberts, business energy expert at Bionic, says 13 October is the magic day for turning your heating on.

"Forecasts show temperatures dipping to 15°C from October 13, aligning with NHS guidance that homes should be heated when outdoor temperatures fall below this threshold," he explained.

13 October is the magic day according to experts (Getty Stock Images)

"By late October, we’ll see a notable chill in the air, with temperatures dropping around 7°C over the month.

"Once the temperature falls below 15°C, it’s important to start heating homes and workplaces to at least 18°C, not just for comfort, but to reduce the risk of damp, mould, and even frozen pipes."

So, while you might be thinking of keeping the heating turned off to save a few quid, and believe us, we get it, it might actually be more financially beneficial to whack that heating on to avoid expensive repairs later down the line.

Just think how nice it will be to be able to dry your clothes properly instead of letting them fester damp on the clothes horse for several days at a time.