WINTER is here and temperatures have started to drop, so should we be keeping our heating on all night?
Energy prices are still sky-high, so leaving your radiators on at night means you're likely to be hit with a hefty energy bill.
The overall cost of running central heating depends on a range of factors, such as the type of boiler you have and how big your home is.
Recent figures from CheckaTrade show that the average cost of running your heating per hour is 7p per kilowatt-hour.
This means that if you have a 24 kW boiler, it might cost you a whopping £1.68 an hour.
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This is less expensive than under last year's price cap but it could still push your bills up across the entire winter period.
For example, if you have your heating on overnight for eight hours at this charge, it could cost you £13.44.
Multiply that by seven and you’re paying a staggering £94.08 for the week, over several months that's a lot of money.
Of course, prices will vary depending on various factors such as what temperature your thermostat is set to.
It’s also important to consider what tariff you’re on, as this could determine how much it costs you to have central heating on through the night.
Economy 7 or 10 tariffs mean you’ll pay less at night, but a higher rate during the day.
That's for an average family home on the energy price cap, which is currently the cheapest available energy deal.
But there are more affordable ways to keep warm at night when the weather gets cold - we explain.
How can I keep warm at night without leaving the central heating on?
It's better to have your heating on for a few hours in the evening and then set the timer so it comes on an hour before you plan to get up.
Another way to keep warm at night is to simply layer up and make sure you have a thick winter duvet.
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Consider buying an electric blanket, they are another great way to keep warm and most cost around 3p an hour to run.
Turning one on about half an hour before you go to sleep will warm your bed up and it's also much cheaper to run.
Get yourself a hot water bottle, they are always great for a cost-free way of keeping warm and they are perfect for snuggling up with in bed.
Alternatively, if you do want to have the central heating on in your bedroom, make sure you turn off the radiators in the rooms you're not using to cut costs.
Don't forget about preventative measures, draught-proof your home and seal your windows to stop cold air from coming in.
Prices for draught excludes start from a fiver in most stores but a thick blanket rolled up next to a draughty door will work just as well.
Loft insulation is also very important as it can stop heat escaping, therefore slashing your heating bill.
You can buy insulation from all local builder merchants or retailers such as B&Q and Wickes.
Finally, some households are eligible for money off their heating bills when the temperature falls below zero.
Cold weather payments will be given out this winter when temperatures plunge below zero.
If your area is affected you can get £25 in support each time.
In other news, a huge energy fund is handing out up to £1,500 free cash to those struggling this winter.
Meanwhile, your thermostat is in the wrong place in your home and it’s adding £100s to your bills.
Here are 10 top tips to save on energy bills this winter.
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