Is it actually cheaper to leave the heating on constantly?

Wintry weather is definitely on the way and a lot of you will have stuck the heating on.

But while most of us probably have the heating on a timer or only switch it on when needed, you may have heard some people argue that leaving it on constantly but on a lower temperature is a cheaper way of keeping your home warm.

With energy prices still high, the cost of living crisis is still very real, and everyone is looking to save money where they can.

To help consumers, the team at MoneySavingExpert have had a look at what the best way is to keep our homes warm whilst also making sure bills aren’t through the roof.

In a post on their website, the experts admit the issue is not “clear-cut” and will depend largely on individual factors such as how big your home is and how well insulated it is.

But they did conclude that the theory of leaving the heating on low all day is a “myth.”

They wrote: “According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea it’s cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is a myth.

“They’re clear that having the heating on only when you need it is, in the long run, the best way to save energy, and therefore money.”

A timer’s best as your thermostat turns your heating on and off to keep your home at the temperature you set.

“The key thing to understand here is that it’s all about the total amount of energy required to heat your home.

“It’s a given that a certain amount of energy is constantly leaking out of your home (how much will depend on how good your insulation is).”

Because of this, you’re losing energy all day if you keep your heating on all day, so it’s “better to heat your home only when you need it.”

Whilst some specialists think the heating should be left on all day, this is often for a different reason – to stop condensation building up on walls and windows.

The blog explains: “They advocate keeping the heating on low all day, turning all radiator valves up to the max and the boiler down to the minimum, and say the problem with turning the heating on and off is that every time it’s turned off, condensation collects within the walls.

“This condensation can help conduct heat outside the home, they say – meaning you leak heat more quickly and so will use more energy as a result.”

From a pure cost point of view though, only switching the heating on when you need it is definitely the best way forward.

This portable heater that costs pennies to run will heat the room ‘within seconds’

This portable electric heater changes the temperature of the room ‘within seconds’ and will help you save on costly central heating bills.

Usually priced at £57.99 the portable electric heater has been given a 34% discount, taking the price to £37.99.

It has an oscillating function so it can reach different corners of the room, and is lightweight so you can carry it around the house to heat your living room, bedroom, or office.

One customer said: “This portable space heater is a lifesaver! The adjustable thermostat lets me set the perfect temperature, and it’s super energy-efficient.”

You can get the portable electric heater from Amazon here.

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