With energy bills on the rise and everyone looking for ways to keep their homes warm without burning through cash, a popular piece of advice often gets thrown around:
“Keep your heating on low all day—it uses less energy than turning it on and off.”
It sounds logical, right? But is it really true?
The Short Answer: No, it’s a myth.
Let’s break down where this idea comes from, why it doesn’t hold up in most homes, and what the experts actually recommend when it comes to efficient heating.
Where Did This Myth Come From?
The idea likely comes from the belief that heating your home from cold uses a big surge of energy, so you’re better off keeping a constant temperature all day—even when you’re not at home.
But this only tells half the story. The real answer depends on how well your home holds heat and when you’re actually using the heating.
The Science: Heat Loss Is the Real Cost
Homes naturally lose heat over time. The greater the difference between the inside and outside temperature, the faster your home loses heat. So if your heating is on all day—even at a low temperature—you’re constantly replacing lost heat.
In contrast, turning the heating on only when you need it reduces the total amount of heat loss over the course of a day, because your home stays cooler when you’re not there or asleep.
“The Energy Saving Trust recommends heating your home only when you need it. If you’re out for large parts of the day, it’s more efficient to set a timer to warm the house shortly before you return.”
— Energy Saving Trust
What the Experts Say
Here’s what official sources have to say about it:
Energy Saving Trust: “The idea that it’s cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is a myth. It’s better to heat your home only when you need it.”
National Energy Action (NEA): Recommends using timers and thermostats for efficient control rather than running heating constantly – NEA UK
Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE): Supports heating only when needed, noting that heat loss is ongoing throughout the day if the system is left running – CSE UK
What You Should Do Instead
Here’s how to manage your heating efficiently:
✅ Use a Programmer or Smart Thermostat
Set your heating to turn on 30 minutes before you get up or come home, and off when you’re out or in bed.
✅ Set Room Thermostats
Keep living areas at around 18–21°C, and lower temperatures in bedrooms. Don’t heat unused rooms unnecessarily.
✅ Insulate Your Home
Even basic upgrades like loft insulation and draught-proofing can reduce heat loss and make your heating more efficient.
✅ Try Zoned Heating
If you have the option, only heat the rooms you’re using. Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) can help with this.
Bonus Tip: Consider Smart Heating Controls
Smart thermostats like Hive, Nest, or Tado let you control your heating from your phone and learn your routine. They can help reduce energy waste and improve comfort without manual adjustments.
According to Ofgem, smart thermostats can save users between 8% and 16% on their heating bills depending on how they’re used.
Conclusion: Use Heating When You Need It
Keeping your heating on low all day may sound like a shortcut to savings—but in reality, it can lead to more energy being used, especially in homes that lose heat quickly. Instead, set a schedule that fits your routine and invest in insulation and smart controls where you can.
Efficient heating isn’t about running your system all the time—it’s about running it smarter.
Sources:
Energy Saving Trust – Heating Advice
Centre for Sustainable Energy – Heating Controls
Ofgem – Smart Thermostats
National Energy Action