Will you delay turning on your heating because of the cost-of-living - vote

16 October 2023 , 09:29

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Experts say the central heating should be switched on when temperatures dip below 15 degrees celsius (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

As temperatures plummet to a piercing -5C in some parts of the UK, we want to know if YOU will be turning on the heating to stay warm.

The biting blast arrives just one week after England and Wales were hit by the hottest October weather in five years, with unseasonal highs of nearly 26C. Weather experts have warned the cold snap will continue across the country for much of the day, with temperatures lingering in the single digits.

The UK summary from the Met Office for today reads: “After a chilly start it will be another rather cold day on Monday, with plenty of sunny spells once any morning mist or fog clears. Scattered showers in the far north and far southeast, mainly light. Breezy in the north.”

With energy bills still extremely high, many Brits are avoiding turning the heating on and wrapping up in extra layers in a big to stay warm. In fact, CheckaTrade has revealed that the average cost of running your heating per hour is 7p per kilowatt-hour.

Therefore, this could cost £1.68 an hour for those with a 24 kW boiler. The Sun notes that this figure could reach £13.44 if turned on overnight for eight hours - totalling up to a hefty £94.08 for the week.

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Recent data by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has found that 47 percent of Brits are using less fuel such as gas or electricity in their homes because of the rising cost-of-living. Among those who pay energy bills, around 43 percent reported that they were very or somewhat difficult to afford.

However, a heating technology expert informed the newspaper that central heating should be switched on when average outdoor temperatures dip below 15 degrees Celsius. Jess Steele said: “Our research shows that once temperatures are below 15C, usually in the middle of October, it is best to turn the heating on as we feel the chill more.”

This advice has been backed by GOV.UK, who says that consistent indoor temperatures shouldn't dip drastically below 15 degrees as this can heighten the risk of negative health effects, especially if you live with any elderly relative. As the UK grapples with the frosty conditions, we want to know if you will be turning on your heating. Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

The Mirror will also be discussing the topic with you in the comments section below and you can join in! All you have to do is sign up, submit your comment, register your details and then you can take part.

Freya Hodgson