While the UK is about to see the arrival of autumn, the weather will sadly soon turn to rain and colder temperatures.
This will mean millions of cash-strapped Brits will be considering turning the heating on in their homes for the first time since spring.
Many experts have predicted a generic date, however, as the UK has so many microclimates, this can be a waste of energy and money for Brits.
Mitchell Wray, an energy expert at National Insulation Supplies, has shared an official rule on what weather conditions need to be for Britons to start using their central heating.
He has also shared the exact date when this should take place in each city across the UK.
The experts collected the data from Met Office forecasts, which take into account both historical data and current weather patterns to give a more accurate prediction, to determine when each city will experience its ‘Switch-on’ criteria.
Wray said: “The time to switch your heating on is when the temperature regularly no longer reaches 15 degrees for a period during the day.
“Waiting for it to drop colder could leave problems later in the winter causing costly repair bills, especially if you haven’t turned on your boiler or heating for a few months.”
The UK’s ‘Big Central Heating Switch-on’ dates:
Glasgow: 23rd September
Cardiff: 6th October
Newcastle-upon-Tyne: 7th October
Nottingham: 9th October
Hull: 9th October
Stoke-on-Trent: 9th October
Plymouth: 9th October
Leeds: 10th October
Edinburgh: 10th October
Southampton: 10th October
Sheffield: 11th October
Bradford: 11th October
Birmingham: 15th October
Liverpool: 15th October
Manchester: 15th October
Bristol: 19th October
Leicester: 19th October
Coventry: 19th October
London: 20th October
Meanwhile, Wray has also shared top tips for keeping heating bills down.
Seal the deal:
Seal any drafts around windows, doors, and skirting boards. You can use weather stripping or caulk to prevent cold air from entering.
Lower temperature:
Reduce your thermostat by a few degrees. Even a small adjustment can make a significant difference.
Close curtains:
During the day, keep curtains and blinds closed to prevent heat loss.
Regular maintenance:
Ensure your boiler and radiators are clean and functioning efficiently.
Bleed radiators:
Bleed radiators to remove air pockets and ensure they heat evenly.