Temperatures are starting to drop as the UK transitions from summer into the cooler autumn months, prompting households to consider when they should reactivate their heating. The question arises each year, yet there’s little agreement on the right timing. While switching it on too early could impact energy bills, waiting too long may lead to unexpected issues.
According to data shared by HomeServe, supported by a decade of Met Office records, the recommended moment might come earlier than usual. In the middle of the article, The Mirror reports that many residents are advised to carry out heating checks before colder conditions fully set in.
The Heating Threshold and Why This Date Matters
Analysis by HomeServe, as reported by the Manchester Evening News, has pinpointed September 8 as the moment when average daily outdoor temperatures fall below the 15.5°C “heating threshold” for at least three consecutive days. That benchmark has long been used by professionals to determine when homes generally start needing heating.
While this may seem early, especially following a relatively mild summer, the data supports it. According to the findings, the drop in temperature around this time of year is consistent enough to recommend checking your systems now — before daily reliance begins.
Heating Checks: Don’t Wait for the Cold Snap
In light of these findings, HomeServe is encouraging residents to test their boilers early, even if it feels premature. Just running your heating for 10 minutes in early September could help uncover hidden issues.
Our research has shown when we’re likely to need our boilers – says Liam Sharkey, a home expert at HomeServe,
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.
This is particularly relevant, given that 1 in 6 UK households has a malfunctioning boiler that fails to adequately warm the home, according to the same study.
Heating Already on in Some Homes Since June
Interestingly, nearly a third of Britons (32 percent) had already turned on their heating during the summer months — well before the expected cold. Some even activated their systems as early as the first week of June, over three months before the national average.
This pattern could reflect changing weather patterns, vulnerable residents, or simply personal comfort preferences — but it highlights the fact that for many, heating isn’t just a winter issue anymore.
How to Prepare Your System Before the Cold Hits
Experts recommend taking several simple steps to prepare your heating system:
- Turn it on for a few hours in early autumn to ensure everything works as it should. “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.” - Bleed your radiators: “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,” they recommend.
These small tasks can help avoid costly breakdowns when the system is under full load.
Money-Saving Tips During the Heating Season
With energy bills still a concern for many, Grant Store energy experts suggest reviewing your tariff now:
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 – they advise.
They also point to economical energy windows offered by some suppliers:
Running appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers during these times can help reduce costs – they explain.
These windows — typically during off-peak hours — are a simple way to manage usage more efficiently.
Extra Habits to Keep Your Home Warm
In addition to system maintenance, households can take basic steps to retain heat indoors:
- Keep curtains and doors closed during chilly evenings.
- Seal gaps or cracks around windows and doors to stop drafts.
- Move large furniture away from radiators to improve air circulation.
These practical adjustments won’t replace a functioning system, but they can help homes stay warmer for longer.
