I suggest you get a programmable thermostat. (I got mine from Maplin.) It can have a comfort temperature and a 'set-back' temperature. I have it on set-back until about 7pm, because while I am moving around, cooking, cleaning etc I do not need it so warm as when I am sitting watching TV.

Does that sound like a reasonable compromise?

Hi,

Hoping someone can answer the following for me.

What is more cost effective – having your central heating on a timer / on for short bursts or having your central heating on constant (within reason?)

I am asking because I currently have my central heating set on a timer, it comes on in the morning and evening but I don’t have it on for long as I worry about the bills.

If I had my way I would have it on all the time as like most people I like to be warm but I worry about the cost.

I was discussing this with a colleague at work and they said that all the heating up and cooling down for the set times takes a lot of energy as it keeps having to reheat the whole tank and because of this they were told they were better off having it on constant at a sensible temperature.

Clearly I wouldn’t have it on constant when I am out at work all day but at the weekends or of an evening I would like to rather than it coming on at 5.30 and going off at 8.30.

Thanks in advance :)