Revealed: The exact date you should turn your heating OFF this spring - as experts finally settle the debate
It's something that millions of households squabble over every spring.
When should the heating be turned off?
Now, a survey of 2,000 Britons has settled the debate once and for all.
According to the research, commissioned by Worcester Bosch, the heating should be turned off when the outside temperature hits a consistent 15°C or over.
This makes now an 'ideal time to consider switching off', according to Stephen Day, director of iHeat.
'In the UK, weather trends show that by early April, average outdoor temperatures exceed 14°C in most regions,' he explained to MailOnline.
'Once temperatures consistently hit around 15°C – typically by mid to late April – many homes, particularly well-insulated ones, will be warm enough without needing continuous heating.
'This makes now an ideal time to consider switching it off.'
It's something that millions of households squabble over every spring. When should the heating be turned off? Now, a survey of 2,000 Britons has settled the debate once and for all
For the survey, 2,000 Brits were asked about when and why they turn their heating off every spring.
While a consistent outdoor temperature of 15°C or over was revealed to be the threshold, heating was also found to be the number one thing 16 per cent of respondents fought about.
According to the survey, men are usually the ones calling for heating to be turned off, while almost half of Brits are 'secret heaters', who turn the heating back on behind their partner's back.
However, keeping your heating on unnecessarily can prove costly.
'Even one day of unnecessary heating can cost households between £6.08 and £12.16, depending on boiler type and usage,' Mr Day told MailOnline.
'Over a week, that adds up to £42.56 - £85.12 – enough to cover a weekly food shop.'
Thankfully, the heating expert says that turning your heating off doesn't have to mean feeling cold.
'Use a programmable thermostat to regulate temperatures automatically and step in during sudden cold snaps,' he advised.
Thankfully, the heating expert says that turning your heating off doesn't have to mean feeling cold (stock image)
'You should also check insulation and seal any draughts to keep warmth in.
'And for households with children, older adults or anyone vulnerable, try reducing usage gradually – lowering the temperature by 1°C a day or cutting heating time by 30 to 60 minutes daily can ease the transition.'
What's more, Mr Day says that it's probably best to keep the heating on in the evenings, which can still be chilly throughout spring.
'For peace of mind, it’s worth setting your heating to come on automatically if the temperature drops below a certain threshold - around 12-13°C is a good benchmark,' he said.
'That way, you’re not using unnecessary energy day-to-day, but you’re still covered for the odd cold snap.'
The news comes shortly after a survey of 2,000 Brits revealed that the ideal temperature for your home is 19.5°C (67.1°F).
While this might sound chilly to many people, the World Health Organisation (WHO) actually recommends an even lower temperature of 18°C (64.4°F).
'Indoor housing temperatures should be high enough to protect residents from the harmful health effects of cold,' the WHO explains.
'For countries with temperate or colder climates, 18°C has been proposed as a safe and well-balanced indoor temperature to protect the health of general populations during cold seasons.'
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