Most Common Central Heating Usage Questions Answered

Central Heating FAQ’S

Here at Plumr, we understand that your central heating can often propose a list of questions on how to use it efficiently and cost effectively. From installing a wide range of boilers, our engineers are highly experienced with a range of central heating systems. We’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions and their answers below.

Is it cheaper to leave the central heating on low all the time?

According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea that it’s cheaper to leave your heating on low constantly is a myth. If you’re keeping your heating on all day, you’re using and losing energy all day. Therefore, it’s better to only heat your home when you need it.

How much does it cost to put the heating on for an hour?

Using a kW and kWh, you can work out how much gas your boiler is using and how much it costs. A 24kW boiler will use 24kWh of energy per hour. Using this system, you can analyse your daily costs and break them down into hourly costs.

To calculate electric heating hourly usage we’ve included estimated guidelines below.

What is the most economical temperature for central heating?

The best way to ensure you’re heating your home economically is to use your central heating thermostat efficiently. Try the lowest acceptable temperature on your thermostat and move it up by one degree at a time to find the acceptable temperature for you. This way you can ensure you’re not creating and wasting excess heat.

Is electric heating cheaper than gas central heating?

Studies find that electric heating cost is much cheaper. A single kilowatt-hour (kWh) unit of gas costs around 16p, whereas the average price of an electricity kWh is much lower.

Is it better to keep your central heating on a timer?

It is more convenient and energy efficient to leave your heating on a timer. This means that energy will only be used at the times you need it to heat your home. You can also set your thermostat to turn your heating on and off to keep your heating at the temperature you set.

How to set your central heating timer?

A timer or programmer allows you to control when your heating goes on and off. This means you can program your system to fit around the way you use heat in your home. Most programmers are digital and include a screen, making it pretty easy to set your timers. Older systems may have a non-digital timer that works by moving ‘tappets’ around a dial. You should be able to find instructions on how to set your thermostat in the user manual provided with your system.

Should I turn off radiators in unused rooms?

It’s not a good idea to turn off a radiator completely in an unused room, as this can lead to dampness and mould. Instead, it’s better to turn that specific radiator down and leave the door to this room closed. That way heat from radiators in used rooms will not escape to your unused rooms.

If you require a Gas Safe Registered engineer or more advice in the Sutton, Wimbledon, or the wider South London area, contact Plumr Heating and Plumbing today.