'Only benefit' of waiting too long to use your heating - exact date to switch it on

Turning on the heating for the first time after summer is something everyone tries to put off doing, especially in the wake of inflated energy prices.

Ofgem confirmed a sizeable 10 percent rise on the existing energy price cap set between July 1 and September 30, 2024, meaning the new energy price cap, effective from October 1, will inflate to £1,717 per year for a typical gas and electric, direct debit account.

The average price of gas under the direct debit cap will rise to 6.2 p/kWh in September 2024, and the average price of electricity will increase to 24.5 p/kWh. Average standing charges under this cap will increase slightly, with the price cap expected to inflate by three percent again in early 2025.

With little prospect of savings from fixed tariffs or a return to pre "energy crisis" prices, households are forced to wise up on energy efficiency and use heating sparingly to cut costs. But it's an approach one property expert has issued a stark warning against.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Clive Holland, broadcaster on Fix Radio and former host of the BBC’s Cowboy Trap said: "Many will leave it as late as possible to put their heating on due to an increase in utility bills from October. This really concerns me when it comes to looking after your health."

He continued: "In particular, the elderly. The only real benefit to delaying your heating switch-on is saving money on your energy bills."

As for the exact date the heating should be switched on, Clive cited that NHS guidance suggests that it should be when outside temperatures drop below 15C. He added: "The NHS advises to put the heating on for health reasons. However, depending on your age and general health, some people feel the cold more than others. Many people will base their decision more than ever on finances."

But Clive warned anyone thinking of doing this that "the negative impact far outweighs the positive". He elaborated: "The most common problem to expect if a home is not adequately heated during the colder months is from damp, which increases the risk of dangerous mould spores.

"The risk of frozen pipes and in some cases health problems, are the issues that could occur if you neglect to heat your home."

According to the latest Met Office weather forecasts, temperatures are already well below average this week, ranging from 10C to 15C in the day, but feeling colder in brisk wind. At night, temperatures are widely in low single figures, with a patchy grass frost likely.

David Doran, plumbing expert at Blackstone Plumbing & Heating Ltd added that the indoor thermostat matters the most when it comes to using the heating: "It’s advisable to consider turning on your heating when indoor temperatures consistently drop below 18C. For elderly or vulnerable people, maintaining a temperature around 20°C is recommended", he said.

The plumbing expert elaborated: "In many places, early to mid-October is when temperatures typically start dropping, making it a common time to turn on heating."

With just over one month to go until the clocks go back, a popular time for Britons to utilise their heating, Clive recommended taking a few steps to improve household energy efficiency.

He urged: "Always make sure you have draught strips on doors and windows to reduce heat loss. Ensure your letterbox is covered too, and have draught excluders at the base of your external doors.

"If you have modern UPVC French doors, some have winter and summer settings on the edge of the 5-lever latch system. Check with the installer or manufacturer for details."

Clive added: "Good quality thermal lined curtains can help too. If you still have an open fireplace and you're not using it, remember 40 percent of your heat in the room will disappear up the chimney. Lastly, layering clothing, preferably wool based garments can help with gloves and hats."