January’s cold weather is in full swing, and shows no sign of letting up – causing households up and down the country to crank up the heating.
But with the cost of turning up the thermostat so expensive, Brits are searching for the most affordable and energy-efficient ways to stay warm.
One debate that rages on is whether it is better to leave your heating on all of the time on a low heat setting, or to only put the heating on as and when you need it.
A conundrum likely to divide homeowners across the UK, the boiler installation experts at BOXT have weighed in with their opinion on the matter.
Andy Kerr, Founder at BOXT, said: “The idea that leaving your heating on low all day will save you money is a myth. The best way to save money on your heating bills is to only use your boiler when you need it so that it does not continually use energy.
“By only using your boiler when you want warm water or heating, you minimise the energy your boiler uses in the long term. Burning fuel at a constant rate will not only result in the continual use of energy but also energy loss.”
It is estimated that around 70 percent of the heat in your home will be lost through gaps around doors, your roof, and your floors.
Therefore, people who tend to leave their boiler on all the time are more likely to experience significant energy loss – and increased energy bills as a result.
“It is more energy-efficient and cheaper to only use your boiler when you need it and to adjust your thermostat to ensure your home is heated to the desired temperature,” Andy explained.
“Setting your thermostat higher will not make your boiler heat up faster. Instead, it will cause your boiler to use more energy to reach a higher temperature, which could cost you.
“You might be tempted to not use the boiler at all during summer, however, it’s always a good idea to run your heating from time to time to stop components seizing up.
“If you have a modern combi boiler, when you run hot water the majority of your boiler components are still being used during the summer, although it is still a good idea to turn your heating system on periodically to check your thermostat operation and prevent the wider system from seizing up,” the energy expert explained.
Andy advised people concerned about their boiler seizing up due to inactivity to set their thermostats to at least 10°C, or utilise the boiler’s heating controls and timings. Most boilers allow you to set your own timers and schedules, while smart thermostats help control the temperature of your boiler more accurately.
“Those with a smart thermostat can often control the temperature inside their home without needing to be at the property, making these devices perfect for those travelling throughout the year.
“For those concerned with energy loss, making home improvements to improve insulation can save you money in the long run.
“Having wall, floor and roof insulation installed can reduce the amount of energy lost from your home, and reduce the time it takes for your boiler to heat and maintain the temperature in your house,” he said.
