An American expatriate residing in the United Kingdom has inquired with British residents about their heating plans as the weather turns colder. Moving from the US to the UK often brings about cultural adjustments, with climate being a significant difference. Olivia Carney, now living in Manchester, is pondering the appropriate time to start using heating, as the UK tends to be cooler than many American regions. Some Brits have already transitioned from cold drinks to hot tea and swapped summer clothing for warmer attire to combat the chill.
For those considering turning on their heating in September or early October, concerns about increased energy bills may arise. It is typical for energy costs to rise when temperatures drop and heating becomes necessary.
Taking to TikTok, Olivia expressed her curiosity as an American in England, questioning the timing of when heating should be activated. She noted an unspoken competition in England and possibly the entire UK to see who can endure the cold longest before resorting to heating.
In a video posted from her sofa, Olivia, wrapped in a hoodie and a blanket, disclosed that her home was a chilly 16°C in the morning. She mentioned contemplating using her fireplace but hesitated due to being part of the heating “competition,” seeking guidance on when to give in.
Wondering about people’s criteria for switching on heating, Olivia mentioned owning an electric blanket that she could use during the day to minimize heating usage, reserving it for the coldest mornings and evenings.
Inquiring about her followers’ heating plans in her TikTok video, Olivia received varied responses. Some prefer to wait until the first frost, while others set specific dates like December 1st for Northerners and September 1st for Southerners. Users shared different perspectives, with some advocating for layers and electric blankets before resorting to heating.
Several users admitted to already switching on their heating, emphasizing personal comfort over adhering to a specific timeline. Opinions varied on when to activate heating, with some choosing to do so early to combat the cold without hesitation.