Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has some useful opinions on whether it’s a good idea to leave the heating on low all day
Martin Lewis and his Money Saving Expert (MSE) site have been helping Brits for years when it comes to saving money. And one of the most important tips recently came on the question of leaving the heating on low all day.
Some argue it saves money and is better than turning the heating on and off all the time. However, Mr Lewis has a definitive answer.
And while the weather is getting warmer, there are still plenty of us turning the heating on now and again to take away the chill that lies behind the sunny weather.
Mr Lewis’s advice – which was updated on the MSE website on March 17 and is still relevant today – is to advise people to turn off radiators in unused rooms. His motto is ‘heat the person not the home’.
In his heating guide, he states: “This is a guide I really wish we needn’t be publishing. The reason I asked Sarah and the team to put this together is due to my overflowing email bag of desperation from people who can’t afford their energy bills.
“So don’t see this as an ‘MSE or Martin says you should do this’. It’s more that we’re trying to help provide some options and information for those that may need to drastically cut down on energy usage due to financial desperation and some help for others who may want to do it out of a commitment to green issues.”
The guidance also includes a warning about the potential risks of switching off heating to save money. MSE cautioned: “It may be dangerous for older people, or those with asthma and other health conditions. If in doubt, consult your GP and follow their advice. Age UK told us it’s important older people do all they can to stay as warm as possible.
“Will it impact your mental health? Some say a cold home affects their mental health and motivation. Rent your home? Check what your contract says about heating. Some landlords stipulate you must turn the heating on regularly, or keep the home at a minimum temperature.”
Previously, Mr Lewis has advised households to switch off radiators throughout the property. He explained: “If you’ve got radiators in rooms that you’re not using, go and turn them off before you turn the heating on so you’re not wasting cash overheating empty spaces.
“Changing the flow rate on your boiler can cut gas bill by over 9% and you won’t notice the change.” The Energy Saving Trust maintains that keeping the heating running continuously throughout the day uses more fuel, results in increased heat loss, and consequently drives up expenses.
Energy guzzlers
Meanwhile, Mr Lewis identified the tumble dryer as an appliance requiring cautious use given its substantial operating cost of £1 per cycle. He remarked in a BBC podcast last year: “Do you know what the real ‘demon appliance’ is in most people’s houses – the one that you don’t want to use because it’s really expensive.
“Tumble dryers. You’re typically paying up to a quid per load so dry your clothes on an airer outside, to shorten the amount of time you’re using your tumble dryer, or avoid using it completely. Those who have dehumidifiers can take some of the moisture out of the air. It’s less wattage than a tumble dryer, so it can be more cost-effective.”
Martin went on to say: “Dehumidifiers take water out of the air rather than use the heating and they’re much lower wattage appliances than standard heating. So if the dehumidifier works for you, it will definitely have lower electricity bills.”
A significant issue is that radiators frequently warm areas where heat rapidly escapes outside. During an earlier BBC Podcast interview, Mr Lewis recommended households consider fitting reflective panels behind radiators – bouncing warmth back into living spaces rather than letting it leak through walls.
He outlined: “A tip for you reflective panels behind radiators. Sheets of reflective material can be placed behind radiators. Crucially, this is on external wall radiators, so the heat doesn’t escape. If you don’t want to pay for those, then tin foil can work, although it doesn’t work quite as well.”
For the MSE heating guide click here.
