Having the heating on all day during the colder months is one of the primary contributors to high energy bills in UK households. With energy prices surging in 2022 and 2023, many families are looking for ways to reduce their heating usage to cut costs. But what is the actual price of keeping your home warm around the clock in the UK?
Quick Answer
The average cost to have the heating on all day in a typical 3-bedroom UK home is £4 – £8. However, this can vary greatly based on the home’s size, insulation, heating system efficiency and the current energy prices. Homes that are larger, poorly insulated or rely on electric heating can pay over £10+ per day.
Breaking Down the Costs
There are a few key factors that determine your daily heating costs:
- House size – Larger homes cost more to heat.
- Insulation – Poor insulation means heat is lost faster.
- Heating system – Gas is cheapest, electric most expensive.
- Energy prices – Cost per kWh of gas and electricity.
- Thermostat temperature – Higher temps increase costs.
- Individual energy use – More heating used raises bills.
By analyzing each of these factors, we can get an accurate estimate of the daily expense of continuous heating.
House Size
Larger, detached homes with more rooms inherently require more energy to stay heated than smaller flats and bungalows. The average 3-bedroom semi-detached home in the UK is approximately 850 square feet.
Heating this size of home to a comfortable temperature all day and night can use around 20-30 kWh of gas per day for an averagely insulated property. Smaller homes may use 15-20 kWh, while larger 4-5 bedroom detached properties might use up to 40 kWh daily.
Insulation
Insulation plays a massive role in determining heating costs. Homes with poor insulation like single glazed windows, inadequate loft insulation and uninsulated walls will lose heat rapidly. This means the heating needs to work harder and longer to maintain warmth, driving up costs.
A poorly insulated 3-bedroom house could use 50%+ more gas for heating than a well-insulated one. Ensuring your home has sufficient insulation can significantly reduce your heating expenses.
Heating System
The type of heating system also impacts daily heating costs. Gas central heating remains the most affordable option for whole-home heating in UK homes.
In comparison, more expensive electric heating like storage heaters, panel heaters and portable electric heaters can cost up to 3-4 times more to run daily than gas central heating.
Homes relying solely on electric systems face much higher all-day heating bills, often £10-£15+ per day.
Energy Prices
Energy prices are a major determinant of what your daily heating will cost. Gas and electricity costs per kWh fluctuate frequently in the UK based on wholesale prices.
In 2022, energy prices rose over 50% compared to 2021 due to global factors. This led to significantly higher heating bills over the winter for most households.
Current average costs per kWh (Q1 2023):
- Gas – 10p per kWh
- Electricity – 28p per kWh
These elevated energy prices mean heating homes all day now costs over 50% more than in 2020/2021.
Thermostat Temperature
The specific temperature set on your heating controls also affects consumption and costs. The World Health Organization recommends homes be heated to between 18-24°C for optimal health and comfort.
Setting your thermostat to 20°C uses around 10% more energy than keeping it at 18°C. Bumping it up to 25°C can increase heating usage by over 30%.
Keeping temperatures moderate provides big savings when heating 24/7.
Individual Energy Use
The final factor is your own individual heating habits. Do you prefer a cooler or warmer home temperature? Do you turn down the thermostat at night or when leaving the house?
Households that set their thermostats higher or leave heating on maximum all the time face steeper costs. Adopting some frugal heating habits can help control your spending.
Average Daily Heating Costs UK
Now let’s examine some typical averages for heating a home all day in the UK this winter:
| Home Size | Heating System | Average Daily Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 bed flat | Gas central heating | £3 – £5 |
| 3-bed semi-detached house | Gas central heating | £4 – £8 |
| 4-5 bed detached house | Gas central heating | £6 – £10 |
| 3-bed flat | Electric heaters | £8 – £15 |
| 4-bed house | Electric heaters | £12 – £20 |
These estimates assume average insulation levels and reasonably energy efficient heating systems. Homes with poor insulation or inefficient electric heaters may face bills at the higher end of these ranges.
How to Save Money Heating All Day
If you are looking for ways to reduce your daily heating costs, here are a few top tips:
Lower the Thermostat
Turning down your thermostat just 1°C can cut heating bills by 10%. Reduce it further at night or when away from home.
Upgrade Insulation
Invest in insulation upgrades like loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and double glazing to maximize heating retention and efficiency.
Bleed Radiators
Bleeding trapped air from radiators can improve their performance by up to 20%. This allows them to heat rooms faster with less energy.
Use Thermostatic Radiator Valves
TRVs help fine-tune the temperature in individual rooms, reducing waste in unused spaces.
Service Your Boiler
A regular boiler service ensures it is operating as efficiently as possible.
Conclusion
Heating UK homes all day this winter is proving to be an expensive necessity for many families with the soaring energy prices. For a typical 3-bedroom home, expect daily heating bills in the region of £4 – £8 if using gas central heating. All-electric homes may pay up to £10-15 per day.
Careful monitoring of your thermostat settings, investing in insulation upgrades and regular heating system maintenance can help maximize efficiency and reduce your daily costs.