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Debate over whether it's cheaper to leave heating constantly on has been solved

Home> News

Published 15:51 8 Jan 2024 GMT

Debate over whether it's cheaper to leave heating constantly on has been solved

The UK's coldest month of the year is here as some Brits woke up to snow this morning.

Anish Vij

Anish Vij

"Freezing today init," is the common phrase of the day as some Brits would have woke up to ice, sleet and snow on Monday morning (8 January).

The Met Office recently issued a yellow warning for ice across southern England and South Wales - which will last from 3pm on Monday to 3am on Tuesday (9 January).

People in London and the South East are set for 'ice and small amounts of snow', the weather service said.

Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon said: “It is a cold regime and that theme continues for much of the week

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“Temperatures through the week will remain below average for this time of year.

“If you do have to travel in icy conditions plan your route, check for delays and road closures.

“If you are driving … look out for potential hazards and keep your speed down. Using a higher gear may be more appropriate.”

The age old debate on whether or not you should leave your heating on during the winter months has finally been solved.
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So with sub-temperatures on the horizon, what's the best way to stay warm while keeping energy bills as low as possible?

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Is it better to leave the heating on all day or just layer up?

Well, the team at MoneySavingExpert admits that the issue of turning on/off your heating isn't completely 'clear-cut' - saying that the most economical option largely depends on the amount of energy your particular home needs.

And having researched all of the options, the experts shared a blog post breaking it all down for us.

Saying the topic is a 'hotly debated one', the MSE team 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.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning for ice across southern England and South Wales, which will last from 3pm on Monday to 3am on Tuesday.
Pexels

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"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).

"The Energy Saving Trust says if you're keeping the heating on all day you're losing energy all day, so it's better to heat your home only when you need it.

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"However, it's not quite that clear-cut. Some specialists disagree - and argue you should keep the heating on constantly for an entirely different reason.

The team at MoneySavingExpert admits that the issue of turning on/off your heating isn't completely 'clear-cut'.
Pexels

"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."

They also took into account what consumers were saying over on the MSE forum, adding: "Some complain only having the heating on when required risks you being cold, as it takes time to heat up homes.

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"That may be true, but this is a MoneySaving site, so we're focused on cost.

"As a balance, you could switch the timer on a little earlier, so the house will be warm when needed, but you're not pumping out energy all day."

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Photos

Topics: Weather, UK News

Anish Vij
Anish Vij

Anish is a Journalist at LADbible Group and is a GG2 Young Journalist of the Year 2025. He has a Master's degree in Multimedia Journalism and a Bachelor's degree in International Business Management. Apart from that, his life revolves around the ‘Four F’s’ - family, friends, football and food. Email: [email protected]

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@Anish_Vij

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