This month, Ricky from Acton asks…

Dear Samuele,

I’m at work during the day, so over the winter months I only need to use the heating in the evenings and at weekends.

During these hours, if I set the boiler’s mechanical timer to turn the heating on and off every hour, will this save me money and still generate the same amount of heat?

Yours sincerely,

Ricky

 

Samuele says:

Samuele says:

Ciao, Ricky! And grazie mille for your question.

I like your thinking. But let’s be clear about what you mean.

You come home at 6pm and want the heating on until 2am the following morning – 8 hours.
In order to save money and energy, you want the timer to switch it on and off, every hour.
You get 8 hours of heat, but only actually use and pay for four. You’re basically relying on the radiators to retain much of the heat during the off hours.

Yes, this will save you money and still provide you with adequate heat.
In fact, I’m surprised more people don’t do it.

Go for it.

Ciao for now,

Samuele