With Ireland engulfed in freezing weather, Martin Lewis has weighed in on the long running debate over the cheapest way to heat your home.
Some swear by keeping a constant low heat, while others argue that heating individual rooms is the only way to save money(Image: SolStock via Getty Images)
Freezing weather has gripped Ireland in recent days – and there’s little sign of relief just yet. Met Eireann has issued fresh weather warnings for low temperatures, ice and snow, with every county now affected until tomorrow morning.
With daytime temperatures struggling to climb above 0C, many households are once again questioning the most cost effective way to keep warm. And with energy bills still high amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, heating homes has become a major source of stress for many households.
For years, one question has sparked endless debate – is it cheaper to leave the heating on low all day, or only turn it on when you need it? Some swear by keeping a constant low heat, while others argue that heating individual rooms is the only way to save money.
Now, money saving expert Martin Lewis has poured cold water on the long held belief that leaving the heating on all day is cheaper – calling it a myth. Speaking on ITV’s This Morning, he warned households against keeping their heating running constantly.
He explained: “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. The myth that it is cheaper to have it on all day is false.”
However, he did note that homes prone to condensation may use more energy if the heating is switched off and on frequently, adding: “But 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.”
Another common mistake he highlighted is cranking up the thermostat to warm a cold room faster. Martin said: “Don’t turn it up to 22 just because it’s not on right now. That’s what a thermostat is for. It will give you the temperature that you’ve predefined it to be.”
His advice comes as recent research from Switcher.ie revealed which heating options are the cheapest to run this winter. The Irish study compared hourly and daily running costs across a range of heating methods, from portable heaters to full central heating systems.
Portable infrared and halogen heaters were the cheapest, costing just €2.78 per day or 35 cents per hour, making them ideal for quickly heating a single room. Ceramic heaters (37 cents/hour) and wall-mounted panel heaters (43 cents/hour) were slightly higher, while oil-filled radiators, which heat slowly but retain warmth, cost €4.87 per day or 61 cents per hour.
On the higher end, fan and freestanding convector heaters were the most expensive, with hourly costs up to 87 cents. For whole-home heating, central systems remain the most efficient. Gas central heating, used in 36% of Irish homes, costs €8 to €15 per day, while oil-fired and electric systems range from €10 to €18 daily.
Experts say the biggest savings come from being strategic. Rather than heating the entire house, focus on the rooms you actually use.
Eoin Clarke, Energy Expert at Switcher.ie, explained: “With the removal of electricity credit and continually high energy bills, it’s always worth reviewing how we heat our homes to make sure we are doing it as cheaply and efficiently as possible.
“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.
“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.”
Other tips to stay cosy without hiking bills include draught-proofing, layering clothing and investing in heated wearables like socks, gilets or hoodie blankets.
Eoin added: “Heated wearables, charged via USB, can also keep the cold at bay on a budget. Another way to cut costs if you’re out of contract is to change your energy provider – especially now that most suppliers have locked in their prices for the winter.
“An average household can save up to €817 per year by switching to the cheapest supplier. If you’re not ready to make the switch, every cent counts, so simply making a couple of smart investments can make a big difference.”
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