UK winter weather: When should you turn on your heating? Should you wait till October?

Many across the UK awoke to chilly houses this morning as temperatures began to drop. 

Autumn officially began on Sunday, September 23 and immediately ushered in chilly weather. 

Getting out of bed for many will have been a struggle, and some may have even reached for their boiler to warm up homes.

However, others have a strict embargo on switching on the radiators and instead will opt for extra layers and warm drinks. 

Twitter was rife with debate this morning, with one user tweeting: “My wife is slightly cold and wants the heating on. I’m quite warm and don’t want the heating on. So we’ve compromised and put the heating on.”

Another replied: “Honestly. Tell her to put a jumper on. My heating won’t go on until November!”

Whilst another twitter user succumbed to the cold: “My heating came on this morning. I guess summer is over.”

Energy provider Npower found that a sudden drop in temperature can lead to people switching on their boilers, not because it is cold, but because it contrasts with the warm weather of summer. 

This is known as a “faux winter”. 

Npower also determined that the last weekend in October is when the majority of people give in to the cold and start switching on their radiators. 

However, scientists agree that some people are better equipped at dealing with colder temperatures than others. 

Mike Tipton, professor of physiology at the University of Portsmouth told the BBC that factors like fitness, medical conditions and age can all impact how we feel the cold. 

There are ways to delay the big switch on and keep yourself warm, without mounting up big heating bills. 

Don’t keep all the inside doors closed 

Despite common knowledge saying that closing doors prevents drafts and keeps homes warmer, letting the hot air after showering or cooking spread through the rest of your house can raise temperatures. 

Buy a chimney balloon

One way that houses with fireplaces lose a lot of heat is through their chimney. 

To counteract this, buying a specialist laminate chimney balloon to inflate inside the chimney will prevent hot air from escaping. 

Make sure you remove it before lighting any fires.

Heavy Curtains

Thick fabric added to curtains can add an extra layer of insulation to prevent heat from escaping. 

Adding fabric to the back of a door can also prevent drafts and trap heat. 

Wear extra layers 

Its the age old “just put on a jumper” argument, but it does actually work. 

Digging out your warmer pyjamas and fleecy jumpers can keep you warm enough to prevent the boiler burning your money for another few weeks. 

Similarly, grabbing some cosy blankets for the sofa can add to the cosy feel and make watching TV warmer.