Expert's word of warning to anyone putting the heating on as temperatures drop
Woman holding gas bill in front of heating radiator (stock image)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)With autumn in full swing, temperatures are plunging across Ireland and households are starting to debate whether to switch on the heating for the first time in months. But with energy bills still high amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, that simple decision has become a source of stress for many people.For years, there has been debate over the most efficient way to heat a home. Some argue it's cheaper to leave the heating on low all day, while others insist heating only the rooms in use saves the most money.Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has issued a stark word of warning for anyone thinking of leaving their heating on all day, confirming on ITV's This Morning that the long-held belief it's cheaper to keep the heat running constantly is simply a myth.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."Martin Lewis(Image: ITV)This comes as a recent Irish study from Switcher.ie revealed which heating methods are the most cost-effective this winter. The research compared daily and hourly costs for a variety of heating options, from portable halogen and ceramic heaters to gas, oil and electric 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.However, experts say the real savings can come from strategic heating. Instead of cranking up the central system for the whole 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."Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
