POLL: Is it too early to switch the heating on? Vote now
Temperatures have already begun plunging across the UK, but is it too early to switch the heating on? Cast your vote below.
Summer may seem a distant memory despite only being a couple of weeks into September as temperatures have plummeted across the UK.
Chilly Brits have been complaining about the cold weather, with weather maps even predicting snow before the month ends.
The cold snap is due to air from the Artic spreading across the UK, causing temperatures to drop between 4C and 7C below average.
The mercury had soared to 28C at the end of August for some areas, but now has plunged to around 9C to 14C.
But is is too early to put the heating on? Vote in our poll below. If you can't see the poll click here.
While some are adamant they are not switching the heating on before October, others have already given in to the cold snap.
X user @anoushkalila wrote: "Why am I currently considering putting my heating on IN SEPTEMBER".
While @Jo_WhiteheadUK said: "I will not put the heating on. I will not put the heating on. I will not put the heating on."
However @MsNottledim has opted for a toasty house, writing on X: "I’m so sorry. I feel I’ve let you all down. I’ve had to put the heating on."
The rising cost of heating bills is a deterrent for many when it comes to reaching for the thermostat, thanks to an increase on the existing energy price cap.
Ofgem confirmed a 10 percent rise on the existing energy price cap set between July 1 and September 30, 2024.
This means the new energy price cap from October 1 will inflate to £1,717 per year for a typical gas and electric direct debit account.
Many are worried about the impacts this will have on the elderly, especially with cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
Jonathan Bean, spokesperson for campaign group Fuel Poverty Action, told Express.co.uk millions of low income pensioners may be forced to turn off their heating and hot water this winter.
And this could have a knock on effect for the NHS, with Mr Bean saying: "Cold damp homes cause serious health issues amongst pensioners, and risk overwhelming the NHS this winter. It's inhumane, and bad economics by Reeves."
