Radiator usage

[jasong]

is it better/cheaper to leave our central heating on low all the time or set the timer to allow it to come on go off at set times

[JSB]

We find there is some small advantage to leaving it on all the time particularly if your rising hours are varied like ours. We turn the main thermostat down to about 15 last thing at night and up again when we rise. Be sure that you have the best insulation possible though - no point in heating the local community - they won't thank you for it!

[KARL]

Some bright spark once suggested not using the heating at all is cheapest, but the question is really whether you want warmth or not and when. We have the heating on at all times and thermostatically controlled (even in summer at which time it simply correctly decides it is not needed and hibernates), 21 degrees while we are awake, 18 when sleeping. The house has four generously sized bedrooms, two public rooms, kitchen, two bathrooms - very high ceilings in half of that. Annual cost �500 (gas, not in the UK's warmest area either), well worth it we reckon. We have good insulation and draught free, k-glazed windows.

[tigga]

If you have double glazing, a well insulated house and are not in and out like blue-bottles, then why not try putting it on at night when the electricity tarrif is cheaper !