Sitting in a cold house is not only uncomfortable, it could put vulnerable people at risk. While there could be a chill in the air, when is the best time to switch on the heating?

Soaring energy costs means average households could soon be charged up to £1,717 annually to heat their homes. Average standing charges could go up by three percent in the early months of 2025.

With no relief in sight from fixed-rate deals or nostalgic lower rates seen before the energy crisis, families are left with no choice but to smarten up on energy use.

Households could be wary of turning on the heating in a bid to pinch pennies – and property expert Clive Holland voiced his concerns.

In a previous interview with Express.co.uk, the author of House and Home said: "Many will leave it as late as possible to put their heating on due to an increase in utility bills from October; this really concerns me."

He added: "In particular, [for] the elderly. The only real benefit to delaying your heating switch-on is saving money on your energy bills."

As the UK braces for colder evenings, NHS guidelines suggest it's time to wake up your radiators when the mercury falls below 15C.

Clive remarked: "The NHS advises to put the heating on for health reasons. However, depending on your age and general health, some people feel the cold more than others. Many people will base their decision more than ever on finances."

Yet Clive is fearful that "the negative impact far outweighs the positive" as colder homes could be prone to damp and dangerous mould spores.

The Met Office said London will reach highs of 15C today whereas Greater Manchester is around 14C. This means now could be the time to turn on the heating for the first time to protect yourself from the cold.

To help save energy, Clive advised: "Always make sure you have draught strips on doors and windows to reduce heat loss. Ensure your letterbox is covered too, and have draught excluders at the base of your external doors."

Clive further remarked: "Good quality thermal lined curtains can help too. If you still have an open fireplace and you're not using it, remember 40 percent of your heat in the room will disappear up the chimney.

"Lastly, layering clothing, preferably wool-based garments can help with gloves and hats."