The nights are drawing in, and with the temperatures dropping, the nation is starting to think about preparing for the wintertime.
As October gets well and truly underway, it won’t be long before many people are turning towards ways to warm up their home.
But, with UK energy costs easily stacking up, cranking up the central heating can be something of a concern for bill payers.
Not only is it bad for the environment, upping your thermostat when you don’t need to is a huge waste of hard-earned cash.
Luckily, Martin Lewis, the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, has already issued his advice on the matter of heating a home.
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Speaking to Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield during an instalment of This Morning last year, the 46-year-old addressed whether homeowners and tenants should switch off the central heating, or leave it on all day.
It came amid long-time confusion about whether it’s more efficient to turn on the heating as and when it is needed, or to keep the switch on on a low setting throughout the day.
The idea of the latter option saving energy in the long-term has been branded a myth by experts at the Energy Saving Trust – and Martin was quick to reiterate similar advice.
He told the ITV presenters: “They say it’s better to only put the heating on when you need it – as you pay to pump energy in as and when is needed, and to keep pumping it in constantly isn’t efficient.”
The TV star went on to reveal the “best” tip for heating your home – which saw him recommend the use of a timer.
“Using a timer’s best,” he insisted. “Because your thermostat is designed to turn your heating on and off to keep your home at the temperature you set it.
“So in general I’d stick with that.”
However, Martin went on to consider how having the heating on at specific times of the day may not suit everyone.
Those who are based in the property throughout the whole day, for example, are likely to need the help of central heating during the colder months.
People who have – or are at risk of – damp, may also need to boost the temperature inside their home.
Martin went on to address how the system could help to combat condensation, and therefore damp.
“There are some engineers though who argue that keeping the heating on low with all the radiators on and the boiler down can work as it reduces condensation,” he said.
“Which when the heating is turned off collects within the walls, and can help conduct heat outside the home – meaning you lose heat more quickly and so will use more energy as a result.
“So if your house is prone to that you may want to think about it.”
Earlier this week, Martin advised This Morning viewers on which bank accounts they should consider for their children.