Is it cheaper to keep the heating on low all day? Money expert finally drops the verdict

Autumn is now in full swing and memories of the blistering hot heat waves Ireland experienced over the summer are quickly fading away.

With that in mind, Irish households are starting to get the heating back on, but with energy prices on the rise, unfortunately many people will be extra conscious this winter before whacking up the temperatures.

READ NEXT: 'Stop use immediately' - Penneys recalls over 1000 products amid fears of chemical choking

For years, people have been debating whether it's more cost-effective to leave the heating on a lower temperature all day long versus just turning it on when needed.

Luckily, a money expert has now weighed in on the argument and settled the debate once and for all.

Speaking on UK show ITV's This Morning, money saving expert Martin Lewis said the age old practice of leaving the heating on low all day is just a myth.

"The general advice from the energy saving trust is that you have your heating on when you need it, and you turn it off when you don't need it. The myth that it is cheaper to have it on all say is false.

He did however, acknowledge a predicament that some householders find themselves dealing with; condensation. In which case the financial journalist said it's best to have a timer and a thermostat.

He also warned people against a very common mistake, often done when homeowners come back in from the cold.

"Don't turn it (thermostat) up to 22 just because it's not on right now. That's what a thermostat is for. It will give you the temperature that you've predefined it to be."

READ NEXT: Dozens deported from Ireland as latest flight departs for Pakistan

Having the heating can be quite costly however, so experts advise that investing in a good portable heater could be the answer to keeping cost down but also keeping your house nice and toasty.

A study comparing portable heaters to central heating by Switcher.ie has shown infrared/halogen heaters came out on top for the cheapest to run, costing just €2.78 per day (or 35 cents per hour) when heating a single room. Oil-filled radiators  were slightly more expensive, coming in at €4.87 per day, however the room retained more heat even after they were switched off.

Fan heaters and freestanding convector heaters came out the most expensive with a daily running cost of €6.95. The study found that central heating was the most cost-effective which averaged €8 to €15 per day, while electric fans were in the region of €10 to €18 per day.

Switcher energy expert Eoin Clarke said the for people working from home and only using a couple of rooms per day would be better to invest in an energy-efficient portable heater to keep the cold at bay.

"Many householders don't have the cash up front to make energy upgrades; however, if you work from home or only use one or two rooms, investing in energy efficient room heater could be less costly than turning up the boiler.

READ NEXT: 'Unbelievable BS': Former GP Ciara Kelly slams Trump's paracetamol link to autism claims

"Before you buy, consider the size of your room, compare wattage and cost per hour and choose one with a thermostat so it stays at the right temperature.

"Another way to cut costs is to switch your supplier. An average household could save up to €800 per year by making the switch. Every cent counts, so even simple fixes like insulating against drafts and turning off unused devices can help keep costs down."