As temperatures drop, many homeowners are searching for the most cost-effective way to keep their homes warm and comfortable. A widely held belief is that turning the heating on and off in short, frequent bursts saves energy. However, energy specialists at Grant Store warn that this common practice might actually drive up your energy consumption and bills.
Modern heating systems—whether boilers or heat pumps—are designed to operate most efficiently when maintaining a steady temperature. Each time the heating switches on after cooling down, it requires a significant surge of power to reheat your home. This start-up process consumes more energy compared to continuously running the system at a moderate level.
“When you heat your home in short intervals, the system works harder every time to bring the temperature back up,” explained a spokesperson from Grant Store. “This not only wastes energy but also places additional strain on your equipment, which could lead to higher maintenance costs over time.”
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Allowing your home to get very cold between heating cycles worsens the problem. The more heat your house loses, the longer and harder your heating system must work to restore a comfortable environment. Maintaining a consistent, moderate indoor temperature is generally more energy efficient than letting the temperature plummet and then reheating from cold.
Experts recommend setting thermostats to keep your home comfortably warm during occupied periods, using timers or smart thermostats to reduce heating when you’re asleep or away—but avoiding complete cooling. In addition to steady heating, proper insulation and draught-proofing can significantly reduce heat loss. Sealing gaps around doors, windows, and floors helps your home retain warmth longer, allowing you to use less energy without sacrificing comfort.
While the “little and often” heating approach might seem budget-friendly, it often results in higher bills and reduced system reliability. Modern heating systems perform best when allowed to run efficiently with fewer start-stop cycles. Combining steady temperature settings with good insulation enables households to stay warm and minimize unnecessary energy waste.
The NHS recommends keeping your home temperature at a minimum of 18°C to maintain health and comfort. If you have a smart meter, monitoring real-time energy costs can help you manage your heating more effectively.