By Christian Abbott
Copyright birminghammail
Martin Lewis has shared when he thinks is the best time for UK households to switch the heating on. From October 1, energy bills will rise by two per cent to £1,755 per year for a typical household paying by Direct Debit. This is £35 more than the current £1,720 level set for July to September. Read more: Nationwide sends October 1 warning to customers While previously speaking on ITV’s This Morning, the finance guru shared his opinion on when is the right time to heat your home for you. Martin explained: “They say it’s better to only put the heating on when you need it. “You pay to pump energy in as and when is needed, and to keep pumping it in constantly isn’t efficient. “Using a timer’s best, because your thermostat is designed to turn your heating on and off to keep your home at the temperature you set it at. So in general I’d stick with that. “There are some engineers who argue that keeping the heating on low with all the radiators on and the boiler down can work as it reduces condensation, which when the heating is turned off collects within the walls, and can help conduct heat outside the home. “This means you lose heat more quickly and will use more energy as a result. “So if your house is prone to that you may want to think about it.” He said there are three factors that UK households should consider: Your Personal Comfort The most important factor is when you and your household start to feel cold. The World Health Organisation recommends an indoor temperature between 18°C and 21°C for a healthy living environment. The Weather The decision is usually driven by a consistent drop in outside temperature. Many people find it’s time to switch on the heating when the average daily outdoor temperature falls below 15°C. “Boiler Switch-On Day” While there’s no official date, the third Monday in October is often referred to as “Boiler Switch-On Day.” This is when many households across the UK traditionally fire up their central heating for the first time in the season. While there’s no single “official” date that works for everyone, it is widely recognised that the middle of October is the recommended time to turn on your heating. The most significant date is the 14th October. This is often considered the start of the “heating season” for the UK, as it’s when temperatures typically drop consistently below 15°C, making it necessary to heat your home for comfort and health.