Martin Lewis and his Money Saving Expert (MSE) site have been assisting Brits for years when it comes to cutting costs. And one of the most crucial tips recently concerned the question of leaving the heating on low all day.
Some contend it saves money and is preferable to switching the heating on and off constantly. However, Mr Lewis has a clear-cut answer.
And whilst the weather is becoming milder, there are still plenty of us activating the heating occasionally to remove the chill that lurks behind the sunny weather.
Mr Lewis’s guidance – which was updated on the MSE website on March 17 and remains applicable today – is to recommend people switch off radiators in unoccupied rooms. His mantra is ‘heat the person not the home’ , reports the Mirror.
In his heating guide, he states: “This is a guide I really wish we needn’t be publishing. The reason I asked the team to put this together is due to my overflowing email bag of desperation from people who can’t afford their energy bills.
“So don’t see this as an ‘MSE or Martin says you should do this’. It’s more that we’re trying to help provide some options and information for those that may need to drastically cut down on energy usage due to financial desperation and some help for others who may want to do it out of a commitment to green issues.”
The guidance also includes a caution about the potential risks of turning off heating to save money. MSE warned: “It may be dangerous for older people, or those with asthma and other health conditions. If in doubt, consult your GP and follow their advice. Age UK told us it’s important older people do all they can to stay as warm as possible.
“Will it impact your mental health? Some say a cold home affects their mental health and motivation. Rent your home? Check what your contract says about heating. Some landlords stipulate you must turn the heating on regularly, or keep the home at a minimum temperature.”
In the past, Mr Lewis has recommended households to switch off radiators throughout the property. He clarified: “If you’ve got radiators in rooms that you’re not using, go and turn them off before you turn the heating on so you’re not wasting cash overheating empty spaces.
“Changing the flow rate on your boiler can cut gas bill by over 9% and you won’t notice the change.” The Energy Saving Trust asserts that keeping the heating running continuously throughout the day uses more fuel, results in increased heat loss, and consequently drives up costs.
Martin Lewis (Image: ITV screengrab)
Meanwhile, Mr Lewis identified the tumble dryer as an appliance requiring careful use given its considerable running cost of £1 per cycle. He remarked in a BBC podcast last year: “Do you know what the real ‘demon appliance’ is in most people’s houses – the one that you don’t want to use because it’s really expensive.
“Tumble dryers. You’re typically paying up to a quid per load so dry your clothes on an airer outside, to shorten the amount of time you’re using your tumble dryer, or avoid using it completely. Those who have dehumidifiers can take some of the moisture out of the air. It’s less wattage than a tumble dryer, so it can be more cost-effective.”
Martin went on to say: “Dehumidifiers take water out of the air rather than use the heating and they’re much lower wattage appliances than standard heating. So if the dehumidifier works for you, it will definitely have lower electricity bills.”
A major problem is that radiators often warm spaces where heat quickly escapes outdoors. During an earlier BBC Podcast interview, Mr Lewis suggested households consider installing reflective panels behind radiators – reflecting warmth back into living areas rather than allowing it to seep through walls. He detailed: “A tip for you reflective panels behind radiators. Sheets of reflective material can be placed behind radiators. Crucially, this is on external wall radiators, so the heat doesn’t escape. If you don’t want to pay for those, then tin foil can work, although it doesn’t work quite as well.”
For the MSE heating guide click here.