The discussion around whether it’s more cost-effective to leave your heating on all day has been addressed by money-saving expert Martin Lewis. On the ITV show This Morning, he shared insights into this commonly debated topic.
He advised: “They say it’s better to only put the heating on when you need it. You pay to pump energy in as and when is needed, and to keep pumping it in constantly isn’t efficient. Using a timer’s best, because your thermostat is designed to turn your heating on and off to keep your home at the temperature you set it at. So in general I’d stick with that.”
Lewis highlighted a more nuanced view, acknowledging: “There are some engineers who argue that keeping the heating on low with all the radiators on and the boiler down can work as it reduces condensation, which when the heating is turned off collects within the walls, and can help conduct heat outside the home. This means you lose heat more quickly and will use more energy as a result. So if your house is prone to that you may want to think about it.”
The conversation didn’t end there; it also took off on the MSE Forum. One participant explained their approach: “I normally just leave it on stat (set the thermostat and let it sort itself out) so between 15 and 20 while I’m in. I turn it down to 10 when I’m out,” as highlighted by Essex Live.
One interviewee shared: “I live in a well-insulated new build so heating is on a timer with thermostat on 20C from 6am to 7am and 5pm to 8pm. I generally keep it off completely over the summer.”, reports Plymouth Live.
Chiming in, another said: “My heating is set to 21C from 07.45 to 23.30 then 18C overnight but sometimes I manually increase the temp to 22.5C in the evening if my wife is feeling chilly. It resets to 21C at 7.45 the next day. It will occasionally produce heat during the night if it is below freezing outside.”
Thrifty residents use tactics like placing tin foil behind radiators, keeping curtains drawn for added insulation, reducing thermostat settings by one degree to save money, leaving the oven door open after cooking to release heat, and laying rugs down.
To further reduce energy costs, draught-proofing homes by sealing gaps in floors and walls with simple gaffer tape is recommended.
Old clothing or towels can be used to prevent draughts under doors. For those near wooded areas, sourcing firewood is an option, though it’s vital to consider the conservation of natural habitats.
Employing a classic hot water bottle can be an economical solution for staying warm in bed.
Individuals with south-facing rooms that receive plenty of sunlight are advised to keep the door open during the day to distribute heat and close it after dusk to trap the warmth inside.
