Is it Cheaper to Leave the Heating on All Day?

With energy bills at an all-time high, cutting down on our energy consumption is an obvious way to save money. Turning off lights when not needed, closing curtains to keep heat from escaping we know will save us energy and therefore pounds.

But this blog is here to debunk myths of energy usage and answer the question; Is it cheaper to leave the heating on all day or simply put your heating on as and when you need it?

Is it Cheaper to Leave The Heating on All Day?

So here is the ultimate question we want the answer to. It isn't a simple yes or no, it depends on may factors such as the type of heating system you have in your home, your pattern of usage, and what type of home you have.

The Energy Saving Trust, an organization in the UK dedicated to energy use, has an interesting stance on leaving your heating switched on all the time. They firmly advise against it, emphasizing that constant fuel burning not only consumes energy but also leads to heat loss. In a standard home, the heat lost is significant compared to what's being generated by boilers and radiators.

So basically, you consume more fuel, which then leads to greater heat loss, and that means higher bills.

But on the flip side there are many who feel that it's better to have heating on a "low and slow" method.

Heat Geek has an interesting idea about heating. They call it the 'low and slow' method, where you keep the temperature low and let the heating system respond slowly. According to them, this helps the boiler recover more waste heat and operate more efficiently. They believe that the energy savings from this outweigh the heat loss from having it on all day. Pretty cool, huh?

Factors to Consider:

Are You in All Day?

If you are out all day and arrive home late, then having the heating on full blast isn't worth it, that's a no brainer!

However, if you are at home during the day or working from home, it's important to keep warm. One approach is to have the heating set at a comfortable temperature and then lower it at night. This can be a better idea to ensure your comfort throughout the day and conserve energy.

How Old Is Your Home?

Modern homes with plasterboard walls heat up faster, so you can consider turning off the heat during the day. On the other hand, if you have an older property with brick, these buildings take longer to warm up but retain heat, so it's a good idea to go low and slow with them.

Shared Wall Heating Benefits

If your property shares walls with another home that is heated, you can benefit from retaining more of your heat compared to a detached property. Therefore, if you are away for most of the day and there are no occupants living directly next to you, it is important to be mindful of your heating usage.

Do You Have Insulation?

If you've got cavity wall and loft insulation up to modern standards, opting for a low and slow heating approach would be your best bet. By doing so, you'll minimize heat loss and keep your space cosy. On the other hand, if you don't have proper insulation, toggling your heating on and off might be a more suitable option.

Do You Suffer From Condensation?

Allowing a room or house to become cold and then rapidly heating it up can lead to the formation of condensation on windows, which in turn can result in the growth of mould and mildew. Maintaining a consistent ambient temperature in your home can prevent this issue, making a gradual and controlled approach the most effective course of action. For top tips check out the article Top Tips on How to Prevent Condensation on Windows.

What Kind of Heating do You Already Have?

If you have heating in the form of radiators, these are much more suited to an on and off system. Underfloor heating is designed to be left on a low setting.

Want to know more? Check out the article The Complete Underfloor Heating Guide and Electric Heating - the Ultimate Guide.

Let's Find Smarter Ways to Keep Warm and Save Energy!

Use Heating Timers or Programmers

With a programmable thermostat or timer, you're in control! Program, edit, and run your systems exactly as you need them. Adjust running time periods, start-up and shutdown times, and even override other functions. It's all about tailoring your home's temperature to fit your lifestyle. Lower it while you're away or asleep, and effortlessly increase it when you're back or wide awake.

Heat The Human Not The Home

Wearing warm clothes, using hot water bottles, electric blankets, and throws can all contribute to keeping oneself warm. It is more cost-effective and efficient to focus on personal heating rather than heating an entire house when only one person is present. However, it's important to consider the needs of vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or those with conditions like asthma. For them, it is crucial to maintain a warm home environment and use blankets and hot water bottles as additional sources of heat, rather than relying solely on these methods. By doing so, we ensure comfort and safety for everyone.

Close Doors

By closing internal doors, you're not only creating an isolated space but also cleverly cutting down on the energy required to heat that area. So, if you have a room, you seldom use or one that tends to be naturally chilly, why not keep it closed off? It's a simple yet effective way to conserve energy and make your home more energy-efficient!

Best Heating Schedule for Winter

CheckATrade has devised a smart approach to efficiently schedule your winter heating, ensuring optimal energy usage.

Your daily routine and preferences will guide how often you turn on you're heating. However, let’s take a look at some general guidelines to help you save money whilst staying toasty.

6am – 8am:
Set your thermostat so your heating turns on half an hour before you wake up. That way, your home will be warm and comfortable when you manage to climb out of bed.

8am – 4pm:
While you’re at work or out and about, set your thermostat to a lower temperature, such as 18-20°C. This will help you save money on your heating bills and also keep your home above freezing.

4pm – 10pm:
For a warm welcome, set the thermostat so your heating comes back on around half an hour before you’re usually home. You might also want to set the thermostat to a slightly higher temperature, such as 20-22°C, for when you’re home in the evenings.

10pm – 6am:
Set the thermostat to a lower temperature, such as 16-18°C, while you sleep. This will help you save money on your heating bill and keep your home warm enough for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Some programmable thermostats also allow you to control your heating when you’re out and about, giving you greater control over when the heating is on or off. However, there’s something to be said about automating your heating schedule; for example, it lets you set your preferences and forget about them.

Electric Heating Options

Electric heating options like portable electric radiators, panel radiators, and fan heaters can serve as excellent and cost-effective additions to complement your existing heating system. However, a common question arises: are they more economical to operate?

An average electric heater consumes approximately 2,000 watts. Based on the current Price Cap rates as of January 2024, operating it for an hour would amount to a cost of 58p. In contrast, a typical gas boiler and radiator system with a capacity of 24 kilowatts would incur an expense of approximately £1.78 per hour*.

For more information see the article How to Work Out the Running Costs of your Electric Heating.

Electric heaters are cheaper but less efficient at heating the entire space inside your home. They work very well as supplementary heating. If you only need to warm yourself for a short time, an electric heater can be a cost-effective option compared to using your central heating system. However, if you want to heat multiple rooms or one room for longer periods, your central heating is likely to be more efficient.

FAQ's

Could I get a grant?

In the UK, there is a wide range of grants available to assist you in conserving energy in your home. These include the Government's winter fuel payment and cold weather payment, which aim to help with energy costs during colder months. Additionally, you may qualify for a home energy grant that can aid in covering expenses for cavity wall and loft insulation, improving energy efficiency in your home.

Should I turn off my heating when I go on holiday?

If you're heading away for a holiday during the colder months, it's important to keep your home heated to prevent frozen pipes and potential damage. A low setting is advised, just enough to maintain an ambient temperature without wasting energy. If you have pets at home while you're away, it is recommended to keep the heating on. It is advisable to maintain a minimum temperature of 12°C.

What is the most economical temperature for central heating?

The most economical temperature for central heating is between 18°C to 21°C, depending on personal preference and comfort. However, it's important to note that energy usage will vary based on factors such as insulation, building materials, and room size. It's best to experiment with different temperatures and find what works best for your home while balancing energy efficiency.

What’s the cheapest time to put the heating on?

We all want cheap heating but that's becoming harder and harder to find these days. However, the cheapest time to put your heating on is during off-peak hours, typically late at night or in the early morning. This is when energy tariffs are generally lower, and you can take advantage of discounted rates.

Numerous energy providers provide reduced rates during off-peak hours, commonly known as Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs. By opting for these tariffs, you can effectively lower your heating bills and save money. However, it's important to note that these tariffs usually require the installation of a specific meter, and the discounted rates are applicable only during specific hours.

By programming your thermostat to heat during these times, you can save money on your energy bill while keeping warm.

*https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/new-energy-price-cap-level-january-march-2024-starts-today