Energy experts issue warning on winter heating myth that can increase your bills

A hand adjusting the temperature on a thermostat
-Credit: (Image: PA)


Experts have warned households not to be fooled by a winter heating myth that can end up increasing your energy bills. The advice comes as the Ofgem price cap is rising from October 1 from £1,717 per year for a typical household that uses electricity and gas and pays by direct debit.

This represents an increase of £149 or 10 per cent compared to the cap of £1,568 from July 1 to September 30. This means that, unless you've opted for a fixed tariff, your bills will rise just as the seasons change and it starts to get darker and colder.

Many households will be considering whether to reach for the central heating switch - if they haven't done so already. Others will be getting out their portable electric heaters for the rooms where they spend most of their time, such as when working at home. But advisors say there's one idea that must be dismissed in case people believe it will be saving them money.

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The Energy Saving Trust has answered a common question about central heating and whether it's best to keep it on constantly, day and night. Many people believe it's better to have it permanently running at a comfortable temperature rather than only having it on when needed, in the belief that the system has to work extra hard from scratch each time to reach the required setting.

The trust has delivered the definitive verdict on this. It said: "Is it better to leave the heating on all day rather than turning it off and on? If you have a boiler, then no – keeping your heating on all the time will use more energy and cost you more money. It's more energy efficient, and better for your bills, to have your boiler come on when you need it. But if you have a heat pump, then you can save money by leaving the heating on all day."

As well as dispelling the widespread heating myth, the trust advises: "Investing in heating controls is the best option for optimising your central heating system. Many homes already have a programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). If your home doesn't have these, installing them could save you about £95 annually on your energy bills. If you already have a programmer and thermostat, adding TRVs could save you £30 annually."

Despite common misconceptions, upgrading or fitting new heating controls can be done without the need to replace the entire boiler, simplifying the process considerably. "Consider new controls if you don't have a programmer, room thermostat, or TRVs. Modern thermostats have more accurate sensors and many smart controls offer additional energy-saving features," recommends the trust.

According to heating experts, there's no benefit in turning the thermostat down too low. They recommend a comfortable temperature is usually in the low 20s, but it can be slightly lower if necessary. Simply lowering your thermostat from 22C to 21C could save £80 per year. The World Health Organisation suggests that the most comfortable temperature range for most people is between 18C and 21C.

The Energy Saving Trust also says thermostats should be positioned correctly in the home to work effectively. They need a free flow of air to sense the temperature, so they should not be blocked by curtains or furniture, or placed in direct sunlight or near heat sources that could give them false readings.

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