Radiators overnight behave differently depending on insulation, boiler type, and how quickly the house loses heat. What worked in one house didn’t work in the next.
1. Turning Heating Off at Night Usually Saves Money
In most homes I’ve lived in, leaving the radiators on overnight didn’t keep the house any warmer by morning — it just cost more on the bill. The house cooled anyway because older UK houses lose heat fast.
2. Leaving Them On Low Makes Sense Only in Certain Homes
New builds or well-insulated houses hold heat well. In those cases, running radiators at a low temperature can make the morning more comfortable.
3. What I Do Now
I turn the heating off at night and set the timer to come on 20–30 minutes before we wake up. It saves money, feels the same, and doesn’t affect comfort.
If your radiators are slow in the morning, this might help too:
Radiator Takes Ages to Heat Up
4. For a Full Breakdown on Keeping Warm
Here’s the guide that covers everything from insulation to cheap fixes:
How to Keep a UK Home Warm for Cheap (Complete Guide)
