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An energy expert has shared their verdict on whether its better and cheaper to leave your heating on low all day. With temperatures dropping across the UK, many households will be starting to switch their central heating on to warm up their homes. It's often believed that leaving your heating running low all day is more efficient than turning it on when needed, and can help you to save money . However, an energy specialist at Grant Store has now put this 'myth' to bed, warning that this could in fact be adding hundreds of pounds to household bills every year. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE The expert explained that the idea of keeping heating on constantly to save energy is outdated and does not match how modern heating systems are designed to operate. “Running your heating all day, even at a low temperature, means your system is constantly using energy,” they said. “You are effectively paying to replace heat that escapes through walls, windows and roofs, even when no one is home.” According to the experts, it is more efficient to heat a property only when it is occupied, using timers and thermostats to manage the temperature effectively. “Modern boilers and heat pumps are designed to reach an efficient operating temperature quickly,” they explained. “Turning the heating on when needed and off when it is not required helps to minimise waste and control costs.” The Grant Store team also highlighted that homes with poor insulation lose heat rapidly, meaning keeping the heating on continuously only increases the amount of energy wasted. “If a home is poorly insulated, the heat you generate will quickly escape,” they said. “The best investment you can make is improving insulation, sealing draughts and ensuring your windows and doors are fitted properly. This keeps the heat in and your bills down.” Smart thermostats can also help reduce unnecessary energy use by learning when a home is occupied and adjusting heating schedules automatically. “A smart heating system can detect when you are home and when you are not, ensuring your heating only runs when needed,” they said. “This not only cuts energy waste but also helps maintain a comfortable temperature without manual adjustments.” The experts added that the notion of leaving heating on constantly may have made sense decades ago when systems were less efficient, but it is no longer the best approach. “Older systems used to take much longer to heat up, which made people believe keeping them on was cheaper,” they explained. “Modern technology is far more responsive, and turning your heating on as needed is now the most cost-effective option.” The Grant Store team concluded that breaking this common myth could save households a significant amount of money over the course of the winter. “Leaving your heating on all day is one of the most expensive mistakes homeowners make,” they said. “With the right settings, insulation and heating schedule, you can stay warm and comfortable without wasting energy or overspending.” Sign up to our Manchester property newsletter here
