With the cold weather persisting, households across the UK are grappling with the age-old question: should you leave your heating on all day or switch it on and off as needed? Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert has now provided a definitive answer, drawing on extensive research from the Energy Saving Trust, British Gas, independent plumbers, and feedback from consumers on social media.
The Core Finding: Constant Heating Costs More
According to the analysis, leaving your heating running constantly throughout the day leads to greater heat loss and ultimately results in higher energy bills. The Energy Saving Trust strongly advocates that running heating continuously is less cost-effective, recommending instead that heat should only be supplied to your home when it is actually required. This approach ensures you are not paying for warmth during periods when no one is home or when it is unnecessary.
Programmable Thermostats: The Key to Efficiency
The most effective method to achieve your desired home temperature at specific times is by using a programmable thermostat. This device allows you to schedule heating periods precisely, aligning with your daily routine and minimising waste. However, the situation is not entirely black and white, as personal circumstances and property features can influence the optimal strategy.
When 'Low and Slow' Might Work Best
Heat Geek, a specialist source, suggests that the 'low and slow' method—maintaining a consistent low temperature—could be more suitable in certain scenarios. If you have a modern boiler installed after 2005 or a heat pump, spend most of your days at home, or reside in your property during evenings and weekends, keeping your home at a constant 18 or 19°C might enhance energy efficiency.
Modern condensing boilers are designed to capture waste heat before it escapes, while heat pumps extract warmth from outside air. In these systems, cooler temperatures and a slow heating response prevent the need to crank up the heating suddenly, allowing the boiler to reclaim more waste heat effectively.
Property Considerations and Insulation
The effectiveness of the 'low and slow' approach also depends on your home's construction and insulation levels. If your walls are made from plasterboard, which heats up quickly, this method may not be ideal. Conversely, properties with cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, or underfloor heating are better suited to maintaining a steady temperature, as these features reduce heat loss.
Some experts argue that keeping heating on consistently helps prevent condensation from forming inside walls when the system turns off. This condensation can transfer heat outside and potentially lead to damp and mould issues, adding another layer to the debate.
No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
Given the variables involved, Money Saving Expert advises a trial and error strategy to determine the best approach for your household. Compare energy consumption by recording meter readings at the start and end of each test period, ensuring the external temperatures during the weeks of testing are similar for accurate results.
Ultimately, while the general consensus leans towards switching heating on and off to save money, individual factors such as boiler type, insulation, and daily routines must be considered to maximise efficiency and reduce costs during the heating season.
