Heating your home has become very costly, but does having radiators on low actually save money in your home?
Well, although it may be a simple thought to turn off your radiators and it WILL save you money, this is not necessarily the most efficient approach you could take.
In this guide, the Bathroom Takeaway heating team have got together to comprehensively answer the question ‘does having your radiators on low save you money.
So… Is It Cheaper To Keep Radiators On Low?
To keep it simple, no, when you are heating a small room. The more heat you generate, the more heat you'll lose through poorly insulated walls and windows, regardless of how much heating you use.
Despite the common belief that leaving the heating on low all day saves money during cold weather, the Energy Saving Trust claims this is a myth.
Inadequate home insulation often leads to heat loss through draft windows and doors, especially in older homes. This heat leakage contributes significantly to high energy costs.
Can Adjusting Boiler Flow Temperature Help Save On Heating Bills?
For starters, turning off radiators in unused rooms can save energy, but it may not lower your heating bills - in fact, it could even increase them.
Your heating costs don't always match energy consumption. Impact varies with boiler age and efficiency.
Condensing boilers are more efficient with lower flow temperatures, which is the water temperature circulating in your home's heating system.
When a few radiators are in use at high temperature, they and the boiler vent will get very hot. Lowering flow temperature captures heat from exhaust fumes to warm more radiators, boosting efficiency and reducing heating costs.
In other words, a lower flow temperature leads to more efficient heating and reduced energy expenses meaning less on your bills.
FAQ’s
Is It Better To Have Radiators On High Or Low?
The recommended ideal radiator temperature range is 18°C (64°F) to 21°C (70°F) for each room.
Is It Cheaper To Heat One Room Or A Whole House?
No, especially for smaller homes, it's often more practical to heat the entire house rather than just individual rooms.
What Are The Most Cost-Effective Times To Use Radiators?
When you're away from home during the day, set your thermostat to 18-20°C. This lower temperature setting will reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home comfortably warm, preventing pipes from freezing.
