As autumn temperatures drop, the number of people asking us if it is cheaper to leave the heating on all day has shot up.
So, we thought we’d take a deep dive into the query and talk about the best way for you to save cash on heating costs.
Why do people say it is cheaper to keep your heating on all day?
Many believe that the extra energy required to return your home to a comfortable temperature after the heating has been turned off makes it cheaper to leave the heating on. They think there is little point in wasting time and money heating your home only to allow it to lose heat and cool down again.
That said, by leaving your heating on for 24 hours, seven days a week, you use more heat, so it costs more.
No. When you have the heating on, you can guarantee there’ll be heat lost due to the contrast between the heat outside your home and the temperature you want to maintain inside your rooms.
If you insist on leaving the heating on constantly, you will waste energy, and your heating system will work overtime just to retain your preferred temperature. You will not have lower heating bills!
It’s cheaper to heat your home only when you need it.
What can I do to lower my heating bills?
A much more effective way to lower energy costs is to ensure that your home has proper insulation. Double-glazed windows, draught-proof doors and dynamic loft insulation all help to save you money in the long run.
The most energy-efficient way to heat your home is to programme your system so that the heating switches on only when you need it most. Modern thermostats allow different temperatures to be set at different times, with alternate programming available for weekends.
By using a timed boiler and thermostat plus radiator temperature controls, you’re heating your home in the most energy-efficient way.
What if my home is damp?
Damp is a common problem in UK homes, and it can be a real headache. Clothes and furniture can be damaged, and it can trigger serious health problems like asthma. So if you see signs of damp, it's best to get to the bottom of the problem as soon as possible.
Damp is often caused by condensation, but there are other types of damp too. Rising damp comes from the ground when your damp-proofing is faulty or non-existent. Penetrating damp is when water comes into your home from an external source. Whatever type of damp you have, though, means that you will require more energy to heat your home whilst you find a way to get rid of the damp.
Every time you turn off your heating, condensation collects within the walls. Not only could this add to your damp problem, but condensation can help conduct heat outside the home so that you will use more energy.