The two essential reasons why you should never leave the heating on all night in winter

While summer already seems like a distant memory, many people are already turning to the thermostat to feel comfortable in the evening.

But leaving the heating on overnight isn’t always the best idea, no matter how nice it feels to be nice and warm in bed.

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Heating expert and founder here UKRadiators.comRob Nezard,
explains: “Whether you should leave the heating on all night depends on a number of factors, such as energy efficiency, health and comfort.

“It’s about finding a balance between staying warm and avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.”

So you should take this into account, according to the expert.

Waste of energy

“Leaving the heating on all night is often an inefficient use of energy,” Rob explains.

He added: “If your home cools down at night, the temptation is to leave the heating on to retain the heat, but this can unnecessarily increase your energy bills.”

Instead, Rob recommends investing in a programmable thermostat.

He said: “You can set a thermostat to lower the temperature while you sleep so your heating doesn’t work harder than necessary.

“This way you save energy and still wake up in the morning with a comfortable temperature.”

Sleep quality

“There is strong evidence that cooler temperatures – typically around 16-18 degrees Celsius – are better for sleep quality,” says Rob.

He added: “Leaving the heating on all night can create a warmer sleeping environment, which may not be conducive to a good night’s sleep.”

By turning your heating down or off at night, you not only save energy, but you also create a healthier sleeping environment.

Rob said: “A cool room with warm bedding can be the perfect combination for a good night’s sleep.”

But if you’re still determined to turn up the thermostat before bed, Rob admits there may be benefits for some people.

“For some people, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the night is essential,” he explains.

He added: “This is especially true for the elderly, young children or those with certain health conditions that make them more sensitive to cold.

“In these cases it is not about turning off the heating completely, but about finding the right balance.”

Rob suggests leaving the heating on, but lowering the temperature to about 60°F (18°C) or less.

He added: “The most efficient solution is to use a timer or programmable thermostat with night settings.

“This way you can ensure that your house heats up before you wake up, without having to run the heating on full blast all night. This way you maintain comfort without excessive energy consumption.

“By setting your thermostat so that the temperature gradually rises in the early morning, you wake up in a warm house without having to spend too much energy.”