Martin Lewis: Is it cheaper to switch heating on and off or leave it running?

As the temperature continues to drop outside, most of us will have already put the heating on, or be thinking about when to do it.

And this advice from last year, still rings true - more than ever in light of the energy crisis and bills rocketing.

According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea that it's cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is a myth.

Martin Lewis has stepped in and revealed exactly how to use your central heating to get the best value out of it.

"Having the heating on only when you need it is, in the long run, the best way to save energy, and therefore money," the website explains.

The idea that it's cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is a myth (Image: Oxford mail)

"A timer's best as your thermostat turns your heating on and off to keep your home at the temperature you set.

"The key thing to understand here is that it's all about the total amount of energy required to heat your home."

However, people living in places where it's damp might have to turn the central heating on for longer.

Martin added: "There are some engineers who argue that keeping the heating on low with all the radiators on and the boiler down can work as it reduces condensation, 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 lose heat more quickly and will use more energy as a result.

"So if your house is prone to that you may want to think about it."

The Energy Saving Trust says if you're keeping the heating on all day you're losing energy all day, so it's better to heat your home only when you need it.