Martin Lewis issues 'think about it' verdict on leaving the heating on all day

As temperatures continue to plummet across the UK, households are grappling with ways to stay warm without incurring high costs. The temptation to turn on the heating is high, but prolonged use can be expensive.

The Met Office issued a five-day cold weather alert on November 20 as freezing and icy conditions persist. This warning will remain in effect until 6pm on Saturday, November 23, meaning energy usage may be higher than anticipated for this time of year.

In October, Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis shared some advice on ITV's This Morning about cost-effective heating methods. He suggested: "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 your home at the temperature you set it at. So in general I'd stick with that."

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Contrary to the popular belief that keeping the heating on low won't be costly, Martin Lewis offered some insight: "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."

The 52-year-old expert warned that "when the heating is turned off it collects within the walls, and can help conduct heat outside the home," reports the Liverpool Echo.

He added: "This means you lose heat more quickly and will use more energy as a result. So if your house is prone to that you may want to think about it."

Further advice from Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert. Com website suggests that "leaving the heating on all day leads to greater heat loss and means higher cost".

They continued: "The concept is simple: pump heat into your home when you need it; don't pay to keep pumping it when you don't. It says this is the best way to save energy and money (using a timer's best, so your thermostat turns your heating on and off to keep your home at the temperature you want)."