Although we’ve covered this question before, we wanted a fresh take on whether leaving your heating on all day is good or bad, so here it is!
Most people love a warm house, especially in the cold winter months. What they don’t love is spending a fortune on their energy bills.
It’s why, time and again, people ask the question: “is it cheaper to keep your central heating on low all the time or programme it to come on and off at certain times in the day?”
It’s a hotly debated topic and, unfortunately, one without a straightforward answer. The truth is it might be cheaper to keep your central heating on low all the time, it all depends on a number of factors.
We’ll cover all those factors – and more – below.

Contents
Keeping your central heating on low vs turning it on & off
According to the experts at the Energy Savings Trust, the idea that you can save money by keeping your central heating permanently on low is a myth.
This is mainly because of problems with home insulation. If your house is old or draughty, for example, heat will be leaking out through windows and doors.
While leaving your heating on all the time will mean your boiler is constantly using energy to keep the temperature at a set level, with poor insulation it will have to work even harder to maintain this temperature.
An inefficient boiler, which already uses a lot of energy to run, is only going to add to the problem.
Despite the above facts, some engineers still maintain that keeping your boiler on low all the time can save you money – in the short term at least.
This is because turning your boiler on and off regularly will mean your boiler will need to use more energy to heat your home from cold to the desired temperature.
Is your home well insulated?

This is the first and most important question to ask yourself. If you live in a property with a high standard of insulation and the answer is “yes”, experts suggest you may be better off leaving the heating on at a set temperature.
Since a good level of insulation will prevent too much heat loss occurring, the thermostat will work with the boiler to maintain the temperature with relative ease.
If your house is damp, or you are going away on holiday, it may also be advisable to keep your heating on low, even if it is the more expensive option.
This can protect your house against mould caused by damp and frozen pipes, the latter of which can cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage.
If the answer to whether your home is well-insulated is “no”, however, then you may be better off using a timer and thermostat to turn the heating on only when needed.
This is likely to be the cheapest and most efficient option when it comes to managing your central heating. A thermostat can cost as little as £30 and is definitely a worthwhile investment if you don’t already own one.
For those wanting to reduce energy expenditure further, installing radiator temperature controls, which work alongside boiler timers and room thermostats, is a good option.

How to decide whether to keep your central heating on low all the time
If you want to try out these theories for yourself, energy comparison site Uswitch has a simple at-home test you can try. It’s unlikely to be 100 percent accurate, but it can help you see which method uses more energy.
Provided you have a well-insulated home, they advise taking meter readings at the beginning of the week before leaving your boiler (and with that your central heating) on continuously. By the end of the week, take meter readings again.
Then repeat the experiment using a thermostat and timer to control when your central heating turns on and off. By comparing your results at the end of this week, you’ll then be able to see which method is cheaper.
Central heating: Money saving tips
Here are some straightforward tips that can help you save money on your energy bills.
Upgrade your boiler
Getting your boiler serviced annually will keep it both safe and working efficiently.
This is especially important as the autumn and winter approaches and usage increases. An efficient boiler uses less energy to heat a house, which means regular services can help keep energy costs lower.
If your boiler is more than 12-15 years old, however, it may be time for an upgrade.
While a new boiler can be expensive (usually upwards of £1,000), they are a good investment as a newer model will significantly cut your bills.
This is because modern boilers are all condensing boilers, which have a large heat exchanger. This means more heat is recovered and cooler gases are sent up the flue, making it more efficient.
To put it into numbers: new A rated boilers (any boiler over a 90% efficiency) can give you 90p or more worth of heat for every £1 you put in.
That’s in contrast to 60-80p for every £1 in older models.Replacing your old boiler also has benefits for the environment. This is because a more efficient boiler will use less fuel to heat your house, reducing your carbon footprint.
Turn the temperature down
During your room temperature down by just 1 degree it can help cut bills by up to an impressive 10%. Experts recommend a room temperature of around 18-21 degrees Celsius during winter.
Insulation
Aside from upgrading your boiler, insulation is the most important and cost-effective way to reduce your central heating costs and make your house greener.
- Roof insulation
When it comes to insulating your house, your roof should be the first place you look to. This is because a roof can be responsible for more than 35% of the heat lost in a house. Roof insulation is the cheapest and quickest way to stop heat escaping and the material used for this purpose can even be installed by keen DIY-ers.
- Walland floor insulation
After the roof, walls and floors are the next thing to tackle. Most houses built after 1930 have cavity walls, which means there are two walls with a gap between them. Filling this cavity with foam insulation is key to preventing any heat escaping.You won’t be able to do the same for older houses with solid walls houses, however, so you’ll have to find ways to insulate either internally or externally.
- Window insulation
In most houses, windows account for around 10 percent of heat loss. Luckily, the installation of double or triple glazing can significantly reduce any losses. The gaps between the panes of glass are filled with air, which is a poor conductor of heat. Other tricks, like closing your curtains at night and opening them when it is sunny is a cheaper and more natural way to keep heat in your house.
The final word on central heating
While there is clear disagreement amongst experts on this topic, most do come down on the side of using a thermostat to ensure your heating only turns on when necessary. However, when it comes to cost saving, there are a few things they all agree on. These include:
- Keeping your boiler efficient by having it serviced regularly
- Upgrading your old boiler to a new model if you can
- Keeping your house well insulated to avoid heat escaping
- Turning the temperature of your rooms down where possible
Regardless of whether you choose to turn your heating on and off, or keep it on at constant low level, minimising the amount of heat lost from your property through better insulation is always good idea. In the long run, doing so will help you save on bills and cause less harm to the environment.
Guest Blogger
Our guest bloggers are leading experts in the heating, plumbing and design industries. With their specialist knowledge and expertise, they bring invaluable, topical insight to the Advice Centre.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to leave heating on low all day? ›
According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea that it's cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is a myth. Lewis says the best way to save money is to only use heating when it is necessary.
What is the most economical way to use central heating? ›You should set the central heating programme to come on around half an hour before you get up, and go off around half an hour before you go to bed. And if the house is empty during the day, or you can manage without heating during the day, make sure you've set the programmer to go off for this period too.
Is it best to leave central heating on low? ›There are a few benefits to keeping your central heating on low all the time. For example, it can help to reduce condensation and dampness in your home. You'll always be comfortable and warm in your home and will also prevent your pipes from freezing over in the winter months.
What is the most economical way to heat a house? ›A gas-fired central-heating system is often the cheaper option in terms of running costs; electrical heating costs considerably more per unit of energy.
Does cutting your heat on and off cost more? ›A viewer asked us to verify whether turning your heat on and off is more cost effective than leaving it running steady. Our researchers asked AC and Heating experts. They agree you should not turn your system off completely—then it'll have to work extra hard to reheat the house and it'll end up costing you.
Is it cheaper to keep your house at constant temperature? ›Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.
What should my central heating be set at? ›Generally, anywhere between 19-21 degrees celsius should be comfortable for most homes. It's highly recommended to ensure your bedroom thermostat temperature is set to a lower value than the rest of your home - typically by 2 degrees celsius. This is to ensure optimal sleeping conditions for most people.
What is the best heat setting to save money? ›According to ENERGY STAR, setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) when you're home is the ideal balance of comfort and energy efficiency.
What is the cheapest time to put your heating on? ›“I would recommend turning your heating off at night, or when you are not at home, as this will help to save energy and lower your bills,” says Collier. Temperatures are lower first thing in the morning and once the sun goes down; this is when you are most likely to want the heating on.
Is it cheaper to heat with lower temperature? ›It might seem obvious but turning the heating down, even by as little as 1º can help cut bills by up to 10%. In fact, experts recommend an average temperature of between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius during the winter months.
How can I keep my heat bill low in winter? ›
- Bundle Up. ...
- Let the Sun Heat Things Up. ...
- Close off Unused Rooms. ...
- Cook or Bake at Home. ...
- Turn the Thermostat Down. ...
- Make Sure Doors and Windows Are Closed Tightly. ...
- Keep Heat From Escaping From Your Ducts. ...
- Use Ceiling Fans.
You can save an average of 1% on energy costs for every degree reduced on your thermostat. Setting the thermometer eight degrees lower before you turn in at night may save you as much as $180 per year on your utility bill.
Is it cheaper to heat one room or the whole house? ›Heating one room, particularly if you have electric radiators can offer you a great reduction on your energy bills. Kitchens are potentially rooms that do not need heating, after all you are moving around when your are in there, getting food ready or making a drink.
What temperature should I set my thermostat in the winter? ›The ideal thermostat temperature in the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home. Energy.gov suggests that 68 degrees is a good room temperature while you're awake at home but recommends lowering it while you're asleep or away.
Is it cheaper to turn heat on and off or leave on? ›Overall, turning your heater off during the day when you're not home is the best way to save on heating costs. If you're out at work all day, flip off your heat until you get home.
Is it cheaper to turn heat on and off or keep on? ›So, depending on the layout of your house and the type of heating system you have, leaving your heat on all day can significantly increase your energy bills. Turning off your heater, even just for a few hours a day, can help you save between 5%-15% on energy costs over the year.
Is it cheaper to lower heat at night? ›Not only is it okay to leave the heater on all night, it can save you money. Here's the secret: Set the temperature of your home at least eight degrees lower for the eight hours or so that you sleep at night. Every degree you lower the thermostat can net you an estimated 1% off your heating bill.
Does it cost more to keep your thermostat below 72? ›Compared to 70-72 degrees, thermostats set to 68 degrees will save money. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory performed a study that showed that people prefer a winter thermostat setting of 67-70 degrees.
Is it bad to constantly change temperature on thermostat? ›Constantly changing the temperature means your heat pump and furnace must work harder to adjust to the changes. As a result, they may break down more often, requiring HVAC services like professional heating repair or replacements.
What is the lowest temperature you should keep your house at? ›The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 64 F as the minimum safe indoor temperature for most adults. Temperatures lower than this, especially in areas of high humidity, can led to respiratory problems.
Is 72 a good setting for heat? ›
If someone is at home in the daytime, 72° F (22° C) is a good start, but aim for 68° F (20° C). If everyone is away from home in the daytime, or you're asleep at night, we feel 66° F (19° C) to 62° F (17° C) is best.
How many hours a day should heating be on? ›Expert says you should never put your heating on for more than a few hours a day during the winter.
What temperature should my house be at night? ›This may vary by a few degrees from person to person, but most doctors recommend keeping the thermostat set between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 19.4 degrees Celsius) for the most comfortable sleep.
What makes your heat bill high? ›Increased energy demand due to hotter summers and colder winters. Higher production costs due to inflation and supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Global conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. Natural disasters.
Will keeping the thermostat lower save money? ›Thermostat Operation
You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. The percentage of savings from setback is greater for buildings in milder climates than for those in more severe climates.
- Lower the Temperature on Your Thermostat. ...
- Use a Programmable Thermostat. ...
- Change Your Furnace Filters. ...
- Get a Furnace Tune Up. ...
- Add a Humidifier to Your Home Heating System. ...
- Improve Your Home's Insulation. ...
- Seal Up Any Leaks in Your House.
Cutting your central heating temperature by just 1°C will make a big difference to the amount of energy you use. Plus, you could cut down your heating bills by up to 10%.
What temperature should I keep my house in winter so pipes don't freeze? ›Regardless of how long you will be traveling and away from home, keep your thermostat set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or above. This will help to keep the pipes on the inside of the home from freezing and the ones under the home at a slightly higher temperature as well.
Is 65 degrees cold for a house? ›The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for healthy people. The minimum temperature should be kept above 68 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the very young, the elderly, or people with health problems. Watch out for signs of hypothermia.
What should you turn your heat to at night? ›Sleep scientists suggest that for optimal sleeping conditions, room temperature should be between 60 and 67°F. That figure is considerably lower than the daytime recommendation, furthering your heating bill savings while also reaping improved sleep. It's a true win-win.
Is it cheaper to leave your thermostat at one temperature? ›
You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. The percentage of savings from setback is greater for buildings in milder climates than for those in more severe climates.
What is the cheapest way to heat a room with electricity? ›The cheapest way to get a quick blast of heat in a room
In that case, an electric heater is a good option to give you heat temporarily. Electric heaters consist of oil heaters and fan heaters. If you are investing in an electric heater, be mindful of how powerful it is and how much it costs to run.
Gas boiler
It's not as cost-effective without solar panels, but a gas boiler is still the cheapest way to heat your home – though that's set to change soon, with the cost of gas rising more than twice as quickly as electricity.
Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.
What is the most cost efficient setting for a thermostat? ›According to Energy Star, the most efficient temperature range is 70-78 degrees Fahrenheit, with 78 being the best. If you are used to having your home much cooler than that, consider adjusting your thermostat incrementally over a period of weeks until you are used the higher temperature.
How can I cut my heating bill in half? ›- Turn off standby appliances.
- Install a smart thermostat.
- Turn down your thermostat.
- Buy efficient appliances.
- Install a new boiler.
- Wash clothes at a lower temperature.
- Be smarter about water.
- Invest in double glazing.
- Position your furniture for minimum heat interference. ...
- Consider adding insulation. ...
- Invest in a terracotta heater. ...
- Consider your actions. ...
- Add a shelf to the space just above your radiator. ...
- Stop your chimney from causing draughts. ...
- Check your radiators.
- Close your blinds. Keep your blinds closed, especially on north and west-facing windows, to significantly cool your home. ...
- Block the heat. ...
- Just 1oCmore. ...
- Adjust ceiling fans. ...
- Close doors and seal gaps. ...
- Hang out in the evening. ...
- Chill out, not chill on. ...
- Hack a fan.
- Electric oil filled radiators are often recommended for quick, effective and affordable heating. ...
- Electric convection heaters are also popular. ...
- Electric radiators are wall mounted. ...
- Infrared mainly just produce infrared radiation which will heat the person, but not the air.
Give or take, about 25% of the heat produced by your boiler will escape through the roof of your home. About 35% of the heat will escape through the walls and through gaps, in and around windows and doors, and about 10% of heat will disappear through the floor.
What is the best heating schedule? ›
The trick is to set your heating to come on half an hour before you get home or get up, and set it to switch off half an hour before you no longer need it. This is because an average home takes around 30 mins to heat up when the heating comes on and 30 mins to cool down when it goes off.
What temperature should central heating be set at? ›Generally, anywhere between 19-21 degrees celsius should be comfortable for most homes. It's highly recommended to ensure your bedroom thermostat temperature is set to a lower value than the rest of your home - typically by 2 degrees celsius. This is to ensure optimal sleeping conditions for most people.
Why you shouldn't leave your heating on all day? ›The amount of insulation you have in your home will of course have some bearing on how much leakage there is, but as a general rule The Energy Saving Trust states that keeping heating running continuously will result in a continuous loss of energy, which it does not recommend.