Expert reveals if you should leave your heating on constantly or boost throughout the day
Experts have weighed in on whether it's better to have your heating on low all day or just switch it on when you need it.
The UK is currently taking a battering from Storm Isha - which has led to redirected flights and my wheelie bin ending up at the other end of my road.
The winter weather is showing no signs of letting up, with a brand new storm already set to take Isha’s place.
Advert
Yep, according to experts, Storm Jocelyn is set to hammer the UK and Ireland from tomorrow (23 January) and into Wednesday (24 January).
With the weather outside being particularly grim, any of us will have been reaching for the dial to turn on the central heating - but in the midst of a cost of living crisis what’s actually the best way to ensure your home stays toasty and you’re not whacked with a huge bill?
You may have heard that keeping your heating on a low setting all day actually works out cheaper - but Andy Kerr, founder of the boiler company BOXT, told the Mirror that this is a ‘myth’.
He explained: “By only using your boiler when you want warm water or heating, you minimise the energy your boiler uses in the long term. Burning fuel at a constant rate will not only result in the continual use of energy but also energy loss.
“An estimated 70 percent of the heat in your home will be lost through gaps around doors, your roof, and your floors. Those who leave their boiler on all the time are more likely to experience significant energy loss, and increased energy bills as a result.“
Kerr’s comments are backed by the Energy Saving Trust, which states on its website that you should only switch it on when you need it and use a timer if you have one to ensure it doesn’t stay on for too long.
However, there are certain types of homes that could benefit from keeping the heating on a ‘steady’ setting.
Heat Geek told the MoneySavingExpert that if you have a heat pump or a modern condenser boiler, installed after 2005, and you're home a lot - then you might be better off setting the thermostat to 18C or 19C and then setting your radiators ‘flow temperature’ as low as you can safely do so.
Other things to consider are whether your home is damp or struggles with condensation, how much time you spend indoors and what materials the building is made of.
Claire Reid