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October 1, 2025
An energy expert claims he has calculated the exact day you should switch on your central heating this Autumn – Monday October 13.
Les Roberts, business energy expert at Bionic, said: “Forecasts show temperatures dipping to 15 degrees from October 13, aligning with NHS guidance that homes should be heated when outdoor temperatures fall below this threshold.
“By late October, we’ll see a notable chill in the air with temperatures dropping around seven degrees over the month. Once the temperature falls below 15 degrees, it’s important to start heating homes and workplaces to at least 18 degrees, not just for comfort, but to reduce the risk of damp, mould, and even frozen pipes,” he told The Mirror.
However, this date isn’t set in stone as weather forecasts can change and different parts of the country will experience colder weather first.
But with the prospect of colder weather ahead – and the increase in the energy price cap on 1 October pushing up energy bills for millions of households – now is the time to shop around for the cheapest energy deal.
Compare energy deals, see how much you can save on electricity and gas, switch provider today.
Generally, you should put the heating on when you start to feel cold. This is especially important if anyone in your home is:
Research by Energy Saving Trust found 58% of people said they leave it as late as they can before they turn the heating on. While one third said they already had the heating on by mid-September.
A good rule of thumb is to set your heating to come on around half an hour before you get up in the morning. Then at night, to turn it off around half an hour before going to bed.
This is another question that prompts debates. The answer is that it depends on the type of heating system you have.
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Once you’ve reduced your energy bills by getting the cheapest energy deal, the next step is to reduce how much energy you use. This will cut your energy bills further.
One of the most effective ways to keep your house warm in cold weather is to insulate it. The best place to start is usually loft insulation as a quarter of a house’s heat is typically lost through the roof if it’s uninsulated.
Plus, you may be able to get financial support towards the cost of insulation and other energy-efficiency measures, or even get it for free, if you’re eligible. Find out more in our guides Energy grants and how to get them and How to make your home more energy efficient.
Draught-proofing your home can save money on energy bills as well as making it a lot more cosy! Professional draught-proofing of windows, doors and blocking cracks in floors and skirting boards can cost around £250, but can save around £85 a year on energy bills. DIY draught-proofing can be much cheaper.
If your radiators have cold spots or don’t fully heat up, it could mean they need bleeding in order for them to work more efficiently. But if your radiators still aren’t heating up properly after bleeding them, it’s a good idea to call in an expert.
Once you’ve made sure your radiators are working properly, the next step to keeping your house warm in cold weather is to install radiator reflector panels behind radiators on external walls. These reflect heat back into the room. You can buy a roll of radiator heat reflector foil from around £7 from DIY stores and they’re super easy to install.
An insulation jacket costs around £15 and can save around £50 a year on your heating bill, paying for itself in less than six months.
Compare energy deals, see how much you can save on electricity and gas, switch provider today.
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