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Experts settle age-old debate: Is it cheaper to leave the heater on low all day?

Published 14:21 16 Sept 2026 BST

Updated 14:22 16 Sept 2026 BST

Christian Buschardt
Experts settle age-old debate: Is it cheaper to leave the heater on low all day?

Homelifestyle

Consumer rights activist Martin Lewis weighs on debate of which method is lighter on your pockets

Weather in the UK has dropped significantly as we bid farewell to one of the hottest recorded summers to date, but it might not mean that we’re out of temperature issues. 

Many households are questioning once again which heating method is best on your bank account, and which generally heats up your home most efficiently.

This one debate has kept conversations fueling: Is it cheaper to leave heating on low all day, or when turning it on when needed?

British financial expert on how to save money, Martin Lewis, has finally gotten the answer on how you can save your money on heating.

The money saving expert spoke on ITV’s This Morning, warning households that leaving the eating on low to save money was a myth and urges people to turn off their heating systems when not necessary.

"The general advice from the energy saving trust is that you have your heating on when you need it, and you turn it off when you don't need it,” Martin shared.

“The myth that it is cheaper to have it on all day is false."

“In most cases, you turn the heat on when you need it and turn it off when you don't. It's best to do it on a timer and a thermostat."

Martin also points out a common mistake of yanking the heat to heat up a room faster, and advises to rather use the thermostat and “it will give you the temperature that you've predefined it to be."

Experts also call on heating certain rooms, rather than the whole household at once, claiming it is an alternative that is easier on your wallet, as well as being quite effective.

"Most people don't have the cash upfront to make energy upgrades; however, if you work from home or only use one or two rooms, investing in a portable heater could be less costly than notching up the central heating,” added energy expert Eoin Clarke.

"Before you buy, consider the size of your room, compare wattage and cost per hour and choose one with a thermostat so it stays at the right temperature."

With leaves expected to soon turn to brown and falling onto the pavement, colder temperatures will become once again a primary focus for British families.

Of course, there are other methods to stay nice and cozy over this period of the year. 

Layering up clothes, draught-proofing and investing in heated wearables like socks, gilets and hoodies can all be cheap alternatives to the indemning Autumn and Winter seasons.

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