Rising heating costs in the crisis: Man regulates the temperature at home with the heating thermostat to save energy, close up with hand
With the cost of energy still high, how do you run it efficiently? (Picture: Shutterstock / Frank Lambert)

The UK has seen more than a few cold snaps recently and, with energy costing what it does, many households are looking for the most efficient way to run their heating.

But with the cost of living crisis continues, you might be be wondering about the myth that it’s cheaper to keep the heating on low all day, rather than turning it up high when needed.

So, is there any truth to that?

Here’s what you need to know.

Is it cheaper to keep the heating on low all day?

While it’s nice to think that keeping your heating on a low level all day could save some money, this doesn’t appear to be the case.

So says the money saving maestro himself, Martin Lewis.

On Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert website, it explains: ‘Having the heating on only when you need it is, in the long run, the best way to save energy, and therefore money.’

According the Energy Saving Trust, the long-held belief that it’s cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is indeed just a myth.

Woman with feet on radiator, reading
Focus on heating the rooms you’re using rather than the whole house (Picture: Getty)

Heating the home only when you need is the best for saving energy – and, therefore, saving money.

The other principle many experts, including MoneySavingExpert, agree on is you should ‘heat the human, not the home.’

This means keeping yourself warm above all, focusing on heating the rooms you’re using.

For example: can you turn down the heating in rooms elsewhere and hunker down in your bedroom earlier?

How much does heating cost?

It’s hard to give a definitive answer to this.

There are various factors that affect heating costs, from your supplier to how well-insulated your home is.

According to Boiler Central, the following figures estimate how much heating will cost per hour:

  • 11.35p per kWh (£2.72-£2.54) for a gas boiler (Between 24 kW and 40 kW)
  • 11.35p per kWh (£2.79-£4.66) for a LPG boiler
  • 11.66p per kWh (£2.79-£4.66) for an oil-ran boiler (Between 24 kW and 40 kW)
  • 38.94p per kWh (£9.34-£15.58) for an electric boiler

MORE : Keep bills low this winter with these energy efficient tips for every budget

MORE : Martin Lewis highlights the discount that could give some households up to 50% off their energy bills

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