Should I Leave My Heating on All Day? The Truth

This is one of the most debated questions in home heating, and the answer is clear: no. Using a timer is almost always more efficient than leaving your heating on all day at a low temperature.

Why the myth persists

The argument goes like this: "It takes more energy to heat a cold house than to maintain a warm one, so leaving the heating on low all day uses less gas overall." It sounds logical, but it is wrong.

The reality is that heat loss is proportional to the temperature difference between inside and outside. A warm house loses heat faster than a cool house. By keeping your house warm all day (including when nobody is home), you are paying to continuously replace heat that is escaping through walls, windows, and the roof. A timer lets the house cool when nobody needs it, then brings it back up to temperature before you get home.

The efficient approach

• Set your heating to come on 30 minutes before you wake up
• Set it to turn off 30 minutes before you leave for work (the house retains heat for a while)
• Set it to come on again 30 minutes before you get home
• Set it to turn off 30 minutes before bed

A smart thermostat takes this further by learning your schedule and adjusting automatically. Some can even detect when you leave the house and turn the heating off.

The one exception

During very cold spells (sustained sub zero temperatures), it is worth setting your thermostat to a minimum of 10 to 12°C overnight or when you are out. This is not about comfort; it is about preventing your pipes from freezing. A burst pipe from freezing is far more expensive than the gas to keep the house above freezing point.

This is particularly relevant in the North East where temperatures can drop well below zero for extended periods in January and February.

Need help with your boiler? Our Gas Safe registered engineers cover the North East. Get in touch today or call 0191 540 2051.