With the chilly weather and rising energy bills, keeping warm without breaking the bank is on everyone’s mind. So, is it more budget-friendly to keep your heating on low all day, or just switch it on when needed? The experts have weighed in, and the consensus is clear: only use your heating when you need it!
Ryan from Heatforce busts the myth, claiming leaving the heating on low all day isn’t more cost-efficient. Instead, schedule it to turn on shortly before you need it. Gav from Hive suggests setting your heating to switch on 30 minutes before waking up or returning home. This way, you avoid paying for heating an empty house.
Zoe from VoucherCodes.co.uk concurs, noting that heating a home for hours is pricier than short, targeted bursts. The trick? Heat only the spaces you’re using and use timers or smart thermostats to avoid needless energy usage.
However, the Energy Savings Trust adds a twist: if you’ve got a heat pump, then leaving the heating on might save you money. Be warned – cranking up the temperature doesn’t warm your home faster! Jamie from Ailsa reminds us that this simply wastes energy.
If you’re home often and have a modern condensing boiler or heat pump, Heat Geek says keeping heating on consistently at a lower temperature could be a winner. Most experts agree to aim for a thermostat setting between 18°C and 21°C. Lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can save you money too.
Here’s some extra tips to cut down on those heating bills:
– Draught-proof your home by checking windows, doors, and chimneys
– Only heat rooms in use; turn off radiators in unused spaces
– Keep your boiler in top condition and make sure radiators are bled
Stay warm, stay savvy! 🌡️💡