As the colder weather rolls in, many UK households face the familiar dilemma: should we leave the heating on low all day, or just switch it on when needed?
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has finally settled the debate, and his advice could save households hundreds of pounds this winter.
👉 “They say it’s better to only turn the heating on when you need it. You pay to pump energy in as and when it is needed, and to keep pumping it in constantly isn’t efficient.” – Martin Lewis, speaking on This Morning.
Instead of leaving heating running around the clock, Martin recommends:
- ✅ Using a timer, so your thermostat controls when the heating kicks in.
- ✅ Letting your system regulate itself rather than blasting it.
- ✅ Only heating when the home is occupied.
However, he did note one exception: homes with serious condensation or damp issues. In these cases, engineers suggest that a constant low-level heat may help prevent moisture building up in walls, which can otherwise cause heat loss.
This advice comes as the energy price cap increases again on 1 October 2025, pushing the average UK annual bill from £1,720 to £1,755. A small rise, but one that adds even more pressure for families already struggling.
Heating experts also warn against common mistakes that waste money:
- ❌ Turning the thermostat up higher, thinking it heats faster (it doesn’t).
- ❌ Blocking radiators with sofas, curtains, or covers, which prevents heat circulation.
- ❌ Forgetting to adjust timers when out of the house.
One forum user on the MSE community shared:
“I normally just leave it on stat (set the thermostat and let it sort itself out) so between 15 and 20 while I’m in. I turn it down to 10 when I’m out.”
Another noted:
“I live in a well-insulated new build so heating is on a timer with thermostat on 20°C from 6am to 7am and 5pm to 8pm. I generally keep it off completely over the summer.”
The bottom line?
For most households, the cheapest and most efficient option is to set your heating only when needed, controlled via a timer and thermostat. If your home suffers from damp, consider a constant low heat — but otherwise, don’t pay to heat an empty house.
👉 As bills creep higher this winter, small changes in heating habits could make a big difference to your wallet.
