Martin Lewis' Team Answers Whether It's Cheaper To Leave Heating On Low All Day Or Turn It On When Needed

With temperatures starting to drop and gas and electricity bills moving in the opposite direction thanks to the energy price cap rise by Ofgem, any advice on how to stay warm without breaking the bank is very welcome.

And a question that has been debated many, many times over has popped again with people asking: “Is it cheaper to leave your heating on low all day, or only when you need to a few times a day?”

While there are differing opinions on the answer, it’s always worth listening to what Martin Lewis and the Money Saving Expert team have to say when it comes to saving your pennies.

Why are energy bills going up?

As of October 1st 2024, the UK energy regulator, Ofgem, has increased the price cap on energy bills to £1,717 from £1,568 - an increase of £149.

The energy price cap limits the amount that a supplier can charge for their default tariff.

This number includes the 'standing charge', which is the daily amount you have to pay for your supply, no matter how much energy you use as well as the price for each unit of electricity and gas you use, measured in pence per kilowatt hours, or p/kWh.

It’s important to remember that this a price cap - the maximum amount, not the price you will pay if you use your heating less.

Is it cheaper to leave heating on low all day or turn it on when I need it?

According to the MSE website, Lewis' team has given their opinion on which option is the most cost effective, however it’s not necessarily a straightforward answer…

The MSE team say they wish they could provide a definitive answer but the question is far more complex than it first seems and they’re not ‘heating engineers or physicists'.

That said, they have given it their best shot when it comes to keeping your home warm without breaking the bank.

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They explain that which option is cheaper for you will come down to 'the type of heating system, your usage pattern, and what type of home and insulation you have'.

They say: “The 'official answer’ - leaving the heating on all day leads to greater heat loss and means higher cost.

“The main UK public body for reducing energy use and carbon emissions is the Energy Saving Trust. Its formal answer is that leaving the heating on all day consumes more fuel, leads to greater heat loss, and that means higher costs.

“The concept is simple: pump heat into your home when you need it; don't pay to keep pumping it when you don't.

“It says this is the best way to save energy and money. Using a timer is best, so your thermostat turns your heating on and off to keep your home at the temperature you want.”

So there you have it!

When should I turn my heating on?

According to the NHS, when temperatures drop below 15°C outside, it’s time to turn the central heating on, due to the health risk that the lesser temperatures can cause, particularly in ‘elderly or vulnerable’ people.

In general, the advice is to make sure your home is no cooler than 18°C and to close your windows at night, as cold air can leave you more at risk from respiratory infections.