With the "coldest week of winter" upon us, Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has had his say on the age-old debate about the best way to keep your house heated.
He spoke about the most cost-effective way to keep your home toasty.
For years, the debate has been whether to switch the heating on and off as and when needed or whether it's best to leave it on low all day and crank the heat up when people are inside the property.
Speaking on ITV’s This Morning, Lewis had his say on the two options, reports North Wales Live.
He said: "They say it’s better to only put the heating on when you need it.
"You pay to pump energy in as and when is needed and to keep pumping it in constantly isn’t efficient.
"Using a timer's best, because your thermostat is designed to turn your heating on and off to keep you home at the temperature you set it at. So, in general, I'd stick with that."
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There's one type of home this advice does not apply to though.
Martin said: "There are some engineers who argue that keeping the heating on low with all the radiators on and the boiler down can work as it reduces condensation, which when the heating is turned off collects within the walls, and can help conduct heat outside the home - meaning you lose heat more quickly and so will use more energy as a result.
"So if your house is prone to that you may want to think about it."
The advice follows reports that energy bills are likely to rise for millions of people across the UK.
Energy prices are set to rise in April after the regulator Ofgem announced the price cap for domestic energy deals would be raised.
The price hike is being driven by a need to cover suppliers’ additional costs.
The current price cap meant households were facing savings of £100 a year.
April 2021 will be the first time the energy price cap has been raised in two years.
Ofgem announced an £84 a year cut in October 2020 in the wake of the first Covid-19 lockdown - the lowest level yet for the current winter period.
The typical gas and electricity customer is likely to see their bill rise by between £96 and £1,138 a year for 11 million default tariff customers.
Four million prepayment meter customers will see their energy prices rise by between £87 to £1,156 a year.
The regulator said consumers could potentially save up to £150 a year if they look at switching tariffs.
Jonathan Brearley, chief executive of the regulator, said the rise in spring would be more beneficial as less energy is used during this season.
He said: “Energy bill increases are never welcome, especially as many households are struggling with the impact of the pandemic. We have carefully scrutinised these changes to ensure that customers only pay a fair price for their energy.
“As the UK still faces challenges around Covid-19, during this exceptional time I expect suppliers to set their prices competitively, treat all customers fairly and ensure that any household in financial distress is given access to the support they need.”
Which option do you use? Have your say in the comments below
