central heating

[babscartland]

what is less costly,having your central on for 2 hours in the morning and 4 hours on the evening at full blast or having it on round the clock on very low?

[Postdog]

I have also asked this on this site, but I didn't get any real answer (just a few suggestions to wear more).

I am afraid I can't really answer the question. HOWEVER, following large gas bills, I did get my house insulated and draught proofed, and I find now I can put the heating on for half an hour if needed (normal economy temp) and it retains the warmth for far longer - even then it doesn't really get cold. Prior to getting this done, I could have it on full wack for hours, turn it off, and then find I had to turn it on again later.

I think when winter properly comes I shall just have it on low for most of the evening (when I'm in most) but the point I am making is that those insulation measures are actually worth it, so if you need it, consider it.

[Catso]

An odd question. Are you telling us that you'd be prepared to either be not-warm-enough 24 hours a day, or freezing cold apart from 6 hours a day when you'd be roasting - whichever was the cheapest?

Why not just get a thermostat, and control the heating to provide a reasonable temperature. I would venture that overall that would be cheaper than either of your proposed solutions.

[KARL]

Perhaps bridging both answers, let me tell you our experience. Our well insulated and draught proofed house in the colder half of Britain, measuring in excess of 150 square metres in total floor area and with high ceilings is heated to a minimum of 18 degrees at night and 21 degrees during the day all year unless we are away for extended periods. The cost (gas) is �600 per year at current prices. We know others who have similar sized houses but heat by timer some hours out of every 24, and they complain it costs them about as much as our practice costs. We do know that our insulation, etc. is better than theirs but doubt if that explains the difference they describe. It does seem odd to let the clock (or calendar) tell you whether you are entitled to be warm or not.

[babscartland]

i dont think it was a odd question. someone told me that if i had it on low 24 hours a day it would keep the house nice and warm well 24 hours a day. i would prefer to blast it out . I got thermostats. ah sod it i just put it on when im cold that seems the best solution to me.

[BBWCHATT]

I have always been told that you should set the thermostat to whatever temperature is comfortable for you and leave it alone. Apparently the theory is that when everything gets cold - house, furniture and furnishings it takes more to heat it all back up to a comfortable temperature. Makes sense to me - so I leave it the same 24/7.