‘I’m a finance expert and heating myths could cost you this winter’ | UK | News

When it comes to heating your home over the winter months, everyone wants to keep the costs down while staying cosy indoors.

But according to Money Saving Expert, a lot of Brits are falling for common heating myths — and it’s costing them more than it should.

To set the record straight, the experts have been busting common energy myths – including whether it’s better to leave your heating on low all day or only turn it on when it’s needed, and whether you should bother putting clingfilm on your windows to retain the heat.

It comes after a social media user asked: “Central heating – on low all the time or just put it on when you need it? I have been doing some research and find conflicting answers both sounding equally as compelling.

“So in an average brick terraced house with modern gas central heating system what’s cheaper. Turning boiler and thermostat down and leaving it in all day, or turning it on and off as an when needed? This topic seems to have supporters and critics of both options.”

Should you leave the heating on low all day?

Well, it depends. While the experts admit there’s no “definitive answer” for or against it, they claim you can figure out what’s best for you after reviewing your heating system, your usage pattern, and what type of home and insulation you have.

But Energy Saving Trust, the UK’s public body for reducing energy costs, say “leaving the heating on all day consumes more fuel, leads to greater heat loss, and that means higher costs”.

Whereas, Heat Geeks, a service which provides Brits with heating advice, claim it could be more beneficial to keep the heating on all day if you’re going to be home all day.

They say rather than switching it off at certain hours, simply set it to 18 to 19C to maintain a steady temperature around your home all day long.

Taking this onboard, the team at Money Saving Expert recommend to “try an experiment” and monitor the temperature in your home alongside the bill at the end of the month.

A statement reads: “Try a few days or a week with your heating on a constant low setting and then try only having the heating come on as and when you need it over the same time period and compare the energy use.

“Take meter readings at the start and end of each period and compare. Though of course if you’re comparing a particularly cold week with a fairly mild one, it’ll skew the results”

Should I cover my windows in clingfilm?

In an attempt to keep their homes warm on a budget, some people have started wrapping their windows in clingfilm to create an extra layer between the cool air outside and the freshly-heated air inside.

But on this, the Money Saving Experts say: “Ideally you’d want to install specialist secondary glazing as it’ll last longer.

“If you have double glazing, adding a third layer could make you a little warmer, but the benefit will be much less noticeable than with a single-glazed window.

“If your windows are draughty, it’s worth fixing that as well as adding secondary glazing, or you’ll only get half the benefit.”

Should I paint my radiators black?

Providing a short and simple answer on this one, the Energy Saving Trust says no.

While radiator panels can save energy, it’s not very much. Instead, they say putting reflective panels behind your radiators is more effective to help cut costs on your energy use.

A statement reads: “They reflect heat from the radiator back into the room, so it doesn’t escape through external walls. The trust says homes with uninsulated walls will get most benefit.”

For more money-saving tips, visit Money Saving Expert’s website.