Heating your home -

Hamilton Hall is a big place to heat.

We have 25 radiators.

One problem is these thermostatically controls knobs - as when you switch a radiator down because the room is empty - when you switch it back on again the damned things remain closed and the radiator remains cold.

It seems these these damned thermostats are crap. They only work a couple of times before becoming faulty.

I also tend to switch the heating on ONLY between 6.45am - 10am then again 4pm - 10.30pm unless it is very cold and then will switch it on for longer. Being home all day - unlike many who are at work and turn the heating off while they are out - being home all day means we get pretty cold inside the house in the afternoons and sometimes I do switch it back on - as I despise the cold - but is it cheaper to leave it on low all day - or switch it on and off when required.

With a separate hot water system just for my room and Woodies, we have switched it off almost a year ago to save money as having a tank full of hot water that we - basically - use to have a last minute wash before bed and to clean our teeth, so off it goes and we wash in cold water.

Various fridges are turned off when empty of people and only used when we are busy - again to save on the cost of utilities.

I was always told to leave the central heating on as it works out cheaper but according to the article below, I am wrong.

( That's a first ... ha ha )

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Snow and sub-zero chills have left many UK households turning the thermostat up this week to combat the freezing weather.

But energy bills are still incredibly high, which means putting the heating on sadly remains a worry for those who are financially stretched. With that being said, you might be wondering if it is cheaper to leave your heating on low all day, or only switch it on when you need it?

Andy Kerr, Founder at boiler company BOXT, said 'the idea that leaving your heating on low all day will save you money "is a myth" and said you should only switch it on when you need it.'

He said: “By only using your boiler when you want warm water or heating, you minimise the energy your boiler uses in the long term. Burning fuel at a constant rate will not only result in the continual use of energy but also energy loss.

“An estimated 70% of the heat in your home will be lost through gaps around doors, your roof, and your floors. Those who leave their boiler on all the time are more likely to experience significant energy loss, and increased energy bills as a result.“

On its website, the Energy Saving Trust also says it is better to heat your home only when you need it and recommends using a timer to programme when it comes on and goes off. It explains: "Heating controls help you keep your home comfortably warm, without over-heating and wasting energy. By installing and using your heating controls effectively, you could save money on your heating bills and lower your carbon emissions."

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