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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Nicola Roy & Ruby Flanagan

Heating experts reveal if it costs less to run it on low all day or turn it up high

The recent onslaught of freezing cold temperatures have meant that people all over the UK are cranking up their central heating.

But with the current cost of living crisis putting pressure on families, a lot of people may be wondering the most cost-effective way to go about this.

A common debate about central heating is about whether it costs less to keep it on low all day, or turn it up high for shorter periods of time. And unfortunately, there isn't always a clear answer - but energy experts are trying to offer an explanation.

It can be difficult to know which of the options is cheaper for you (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea that it is cheaper to leave the heating on all day on a low light is a complete "myth".

The Mirror reports that this is because problems such as heat loss and draughts in older homes means that the heat is able to escape easier throughout the day.

And the constant heat loss means your boiler will be working extra hard, wasting money as it's doing so.

The Energy Saving Trust says if you're keeping the heating on all day you're losing energy all day, so it's better to heat your home only when you need it.

If the insulation in your home is good, it may be cheaper to leave the heating on low all the time (Getty Images)

However, some engineers have been quoted by MoneySavingExpert as saying that keeping your boiler on low all the time can save you some money.

Switching your boiler on and off too often will mean it requires more energy to get your home to its requested temperature.

As an alternative, some experts have suggested keeping the heating on low but turning up your radiator valves when you want some extra warmth.

The issue with switching your boiler off means that condensation is likely to form more easily, meaning heat is more likely to escape - costing you more in bills.

But if you've got the right insulation in your home, you might be better off keeping your heat on low all day, as less heat loss means your thermostat will be able to regulate the temperature better.

If you're stuck on which option to go for, energy comparison site Uswitch offers an at-home test for you to try.

Provided you have a well-insulated home, Uswitch advises to take meter readings at the beginning of the week before leaving your boiler on continuously and at the end of the week, you take some meter readings again.

Households should then repeat the experiment using a thermostat and time to control when your central heating comes on and off.

You can compare your results at the end of this week and you will able to see which method is cheaper for your home.

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