British Gas, Octopus, Eon, EDF and OVO customers told 'exact' October date

Brits will have felt it turning noticeably cooler over the last week or so. And no doubt there has been a temptation in many households to reach for the heating switch.

But people have been told they shouldn't do it yet and they should leave off putting off the heating for a few more weeks if they are able to. Experts say people turning their heating on now are likely to be wasting money when they don't need to.

As it's yet to turn really cold, people can instead reach for a comfortable hoodie or blanket to keep warm. Experts have named the exact date the heating should be switched on.

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They say the ideal time is October 29. This is just after the clocks go back and it will be getting darker much earlier. It's also likely to be colder by that time.

Heating expert Mark McShane, from Boiler Cover UK, explained: "Turning on your heating at the end of October is a good strategy, as it allows you to prepare for the colder weather ahead while also avoiding the risk of frozen pipes. Maintaining a minimum thermostat setting of 10C can protect your pipes from freezing, which can lead to costly repairs."

Boiler Cover added: "As the colder months approach, the annual question of when to turn on the heating becomes increasingly relevant. With summer fading and temperatures dropping, it's time to consider when to fire up the central heating. The decision isn't just about comfort; it's also about managing energy costs, especially in light of last year's soaring energy bills.

"Experts suggest that the ideal date to turn on your heating this year is Sunday, October 29. This date coincides with the end of daylight saving time, a period when temperatures typically begin to dip."