Finance expert says common heating myths could cost you this winter

When it comes to keeping your home warm throughout the winter period, everyone's looking to slash costs whilst remaining snug inside. However, according to Money Saving Expert, Brits are being caught out by widespread heating misconceptions - and it's setting them back financially more than necessary.

To clear up confusion, the specialists have been debunking popular energy myths - including whether it's more economical to keep your heating running on a low setting throughout the day or simply switch it on when required, and whether it's worthwhile applying clingfilm to your windows to hold in the warmth. This follows a social media user's inquiry: "Central heating - on low all the time or just put it on when you need it? I have been doing some research and find conflicting answers both sounding equally as compelling.

"So in an average brick terraced house with modern gas central heating system what's cheaper. Turning boiler and thermostat down and leaving it in all day, or turning it on and off as an when needed? This topic seems to have supporters and critics of both options."

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Should you keep the heating running on low throughout the day?

Whilst the specialists acknowledge there's no "definitive answer" either way, they maintain you can determine what works best for you after examining your heating setup, your consumption habits, and what sort of property and insulation you possess.

However, Energy Saving Trust, the UK's public body for reducing energy costs, say "leaving the heating on all day consumes more fuel, leads to greater heat loss, and that means higher costs". Meanwhile, Heat Geeks, a service that offers Brits heating guidance, suggests it might be more advantageous to leave the heating running throughout the day if you'll be at home constantly.

They advise that instead of turning it off during particular periods, you should simply adjust it to 18 to 19C to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your property all day.

With this in mind, the experts at Money Saving Expert suggest you "try an experiment" and track the temperature in your house alongside your monthly bill.

A statement explains: "Try a few days or a week with your heating on a constant low setting and then try only having the heating come on as and when you need it over the same time period and compare the energy use.

"Take meter readings at the start and end of each period and compare. Though of course if you're comparing a particularly cold week with a fairly mild one, it'll skew the results".

Should I wrap my windows in clingfilm?

In a bid to maintain warmth in their properties whilst on a tight budget, some individuals have begun covering their windows with clingfilm to establish an additional barrier between the chilly outdoor air and the newly-warmed indoor atmosphere.

However, regarding this method, the Money Saving Experts state: "Ideally you'd want to install specialist secondary glazing as it'll last longer.

"If you have double glazing, adding a third layer could make you a little warmer, but the benefit will be much less noticeable than with a single-glazed window.

"If your windows are draughty, it's worth fixing that as well as adding secondary glazing, or you'll only get half the benefit."

Should I paint my radiators black?

Offering a brief and straightforward response on this matter, the Energy Saving Trust says no.

Whilst radiator panels can conserve energy, it's not particularly significant.

Instead, they recommend installing reflective panels behind your radiators as a more efficient method to help reduce expenses on your energy consumption.

A statement reads: "They reflect heat from the radiator back into the room, so it doesn't escape through external walls. The trust says homes with uninsulated walls will get most benefit."

For additional money-saving advice, visit Money Saving Expert's website.