Ella Scott
Autumn is definitely on the horizon which means Starbucks PSL season, Pinterest profiles flooded with Gilmore Girls best bits and the sun now officially setting before 8pm.
But while the darker nights herald the return of our favourite seasonal habits, it also means UK residents will soon face cold weather spells.
Presently the NHS advices you to switch on your thermostat as soon as temperatures plummet below 15 degrees.
This is because freezing conditions can wreak havoc on people’s health, especially the elderly.
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But when exactly will the climate cause you to crank up your heating?
To pinpoint the exact date, BestHeating has analysed six years worth of data from the Met Office.
Leading technology expert Jess Steele has prefaced the research by claiming there isn’t actually an ‘optimum time to switch on the heating’.
“Our research shows that once temperatures are below 15°C, often around October or November, it is best to turn the heating on as we feel the chill more,” she told Wales Online.
“By the end of the month, even the hardiest among us will have our heating on to keep warm as temperatures are predicted to drop further.”
Steele explained that many people this winter will want to put off heating their home due to financial worries.
Her concern comes as the average household bill is expected to rise by 10 percent this autumn and winter, due to the introduction of a new energy price cap.
The Office of Gas and Electricity (Ofgem) confirmed from the energy price cap would rise from £1,568 to £1,717 from October 1.
This dramatic increase is due to wholesale gas prices swelling as well as extreme weather events ‘driving competition for gas’, as per the energy regulator.
“It can be tempting to hold off putting the heating on but be careful delaying this too long as this can hurt your body,” Steele continued.
“For those struggling, we recommend contacting your local council or energy supplier as there are often grants and help available to keep you safe throughout winter.”
After scrutinising Met Office data, BestHeating has confirmed the temperature in the UK will officially dip below 15 degrees on November 17 and is not expected to rise again until 2025.
This is significantly later than last year’s date - October 20 - meaning UK dwellers have the chance to save a little bit of money on their energy bills.
If you’re looking for alternatives to keep warm, Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert team have previously claimed heated gadgets charged via USB are the most cost-effective.
“There are lots of options out there – we can't vouch for which will keep you warmest, but we have tried to work out which is cheapest to run," the website explained.
"Generally we found it was those which could be charged via USB, but these items tend to be smaller, and may only warm part of your body (such as hands or feet).”