electric heating - on all time or on/off

shopaholicz

Morning all,

I was in work yesterday moaning about my monthly bill for gas and electric. We have our central heating on for 2 hours in the morning, 2 hours at lunch time and 3 hours after tea. My other half is now retired, and ill, so is always cold.

A colleague told me that they have their central heating on from 7am to 9pm, but on a lower temperature. She says it costs less to do it that way as you're just keeping a constant temperature rather than heating a cold house each time.

Has anybody got any more info or advice about this? The thought of having a constantly warm house is really appealing in light of other half being constantly cold, but I don't want to get stuck with an even bigger bill.

Andy_WSM

No one can really answer this age old question as no 2 houses are the same. Insulation levels play a huge part here.

Scientifically speaking it is cheaper to only have the heating on when you need it. However, some people have found that in reality there is very little difference in cost in keeping a WELL INSULATED home at a constant temperature.

leeruddecology

I would check previous posts. This has come up about five times in the last week or two.

I personally only put the heating on for an hour in the morning (during cheap rate) and again in the eveneing during cheap rate. I live alone and work during the day, so I dont need it on during the day.

Get some curtains and reduce that energy loss. My flat is pretty well insulated, so I guess the little time I have the heating on, it stays in the property for a while.

Am I right in saying that for every one degree centigrade you reduce your heating, you save 10% on your energy bill. I have mine set to 18, and its spot on for me. Not cold at all. If I had it set to 21, the norm that would be way to hot for me. However, it depends on the person, and if you have someone thats ill and cold, then I assume it should be made warmer? Perhaps find a tariff that suits your needs?