MONEY SAVING EXPERT ADVISES HOUSEHOLDS TO HEAT HOMES WHEN NEEDED

Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert has examined whether running home heating continuously reduces energy costs. It concluded that “leaving the heating on all day leads to greater heat loss and means higher cost”. Its assessment covers the “low and slow” method, which keeps radiators at a modest temperature throughout the day. The advice comes as households enter the heating season and face an October rise in Ofgem’s energy price cap.

Money Saving Expert drew on the Energy Saving Trust, British Gas, an independent plumber and comments from MoneySavers on social media. The Energy Saving Trust advises households to heat their homes only when they need to. Supporters of the low and slow method argue that a steady radiator temperature improves energy efficiency. Money Saving Expert says the most economical approach can depend on a household’s circumstances. A timed thermostat lets households set when their heating reaches a chosen temperature.

Ofgem raised its energy price cap by 4% from October, taking the annual figure for a typical household to £1,723. The previous figure was £1,663, a difference of £60 a year or £5 a month for a typical household. Those figures apply to customers in England, Scotland and Wales who pay by Direct Debit and do not have a fixed tariff. The cap figure describes a typical household’s annual energy costs, while the heating advice concerns when households use that energy.