Household hopes for energy bills to edge lower in January look set to be dashed as the latest prediction shows a rise at the start of next year (PA)(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Martin Lewis' advice on whether to leave the heating on all day amid freezing weather

by · NottinghamshireLive

As temperatures continue to plummet across the UK, households are left with no choice but to find ways to stay warm. However, leaving the heating on for extended periods can be costly.

The Met Office issued a five-day cold weather alert on November 20 as freezing and icy conditions persist, with the warning set to remain in place until 6pm on Saturday, November 23. This means that energy usage is likely to be higher than usual for this time of year.

In October, Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis shared some advice on ITV's This Morning about the most cost-effective ways to use heating. He said: "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."

While many believe that keeping the heating on low won't break the bank, Lewis offered some insight into this, stating: "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 states: "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)."