Exact date you should switch your heating on is sooner than you think

As summer draws to a close, temperatures are beginning to fall ahead of the autumn months. Households across the UK may now be pondering precisely when the correct moment is to switch their heating back on, given that activating it prematurely could send energy costs soaring.

The precise date for firing up your heating system has now been disclosed by specialists - and it arrives earlier than many might anticipate. Examination of a decade's worth of UK temperature records from the Met Office has pinpointed tomorrow - September 8 - as Britain's official 'heating switch-on day'.

This marks when average daily outdoor temperatures fall beneath the 15.5 degree 'heating threshold' for three successive days. Prior to this date, HomeServe are now urging residents to check their boiler systems now to guarantee any faults can be identified and resolved before daily reliance becomes necessary.

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The home assistance company discovered that 1 in 6 UK households possess boilers that are malfunctioning and failing to warm homes adequately, reports the Manchester Evening News

The research also disclosed that nearly a third of Britons (32 percent) had already activated their heating during the summer months, with some igniting their boilers as early as the opening week of June – over three months before the remainder of the UK.

"You can't always rely on the British weather, but you should be able to rely on your boiler. Running it early, even for just 10 minutes, can help you spot problems and fix them before you're relying on it every day," says Liam Sharkey, home expert at HomeServe.

"Our research has shown when we're likely to need our boilers, and so a quick test a couple of weeks before means you can book repairs at a quieter time, avoid emergency callouts when demand is high, and keep your home comfortable whatever the season throws at you."

With energy bills remaining a worry for countless families, specialists are urging households to take action to control expenses.

"It is worth checking if you can get a better deal on your energy tariff. Discounted rates for new customers or cheaper variable tariffs can make a real difference, but always check for penalty fees if you leave a fixed deal early," say energy experts at Grant Store.

They also suggest keeping an eye out for reduced-rate or economical energy windows provided by suppliers. "Running appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers during these times can help reduce costs," they explain.

Before the harshest conditions arrive, conducting essential maintenance inspections in September is recommended. "Switch your heating on for a few hours in early autumn to make sure everything is working properly," advise the experts.

"This gives you time to arrange repairs before winter."

Bleeding radiators is another task households should undertake before winter arrives. "You will need a bleed key, a cloth and a towel to catch any water. After bleeding, check your boiler pressure. It should be between 1 to 1.5 when the heating is off and between 1.5 to 2 when it is in use," the experts recommends

There are also some simple habits that can help keep your home warm. "Keep curtains and doors closed during chilly evenings to prevent heat escaping," the experts suggest.

"Seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors to ensure your home is fully insulated and ready for the colder months."

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