Martin Lewis issues energy bill warning if you do this with your heating

UK households are battling the chill of a substantial cold snap, finding ways to stay warm as temperatures plummet. The urge to up the thermostat is powerful as energy costs can soar for those who keep their heat constant.

The Met Office has not brought good news, having issued a five-day cold weather alert through to 6pm, November 23, due to relentless freezing conditions—a period when higher energy use is anticipated.

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis offered his wisdom on home heating efficiency back in October on ITV's This Morning, suggesting: "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."

He added advice about heating timers: "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."

While there’s a common belief that it’s cost-effective to leave heating on low continuously, Lewis also mentioned an alternative opinion: "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," as reported by the Liverpool Echo, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The 52 year old expert warned: "When the heating is turned off it collects within the walls, and can help conduct heat outside the home. 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: "Leaving the heating on all day leads to greater heat loss and means higher cost".

They added: " 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)."