March 22: Money Saving Expert debunks ‘low heat all day’, warns on dryers

Money Saving Expert has weighed in on a common UK myth: leaving heating on low all day does not save money. Martin Lewis heating guidance is clear. Heat only when needed and focus on rooms you use. He also warned that tumble dryer costs are high compared to air drying. With Ofgem’s July cap projection adding £332 to annual bills, we see pressure on household budgets and discretionary spend. For investors, elevated energy costs can keep inflation sticky and affect UK retail and utility shares.

What Martin Lewis advises right now

Martin Lewis says do not leave heating on low all day. Turn it on when you need it and only heat rooms you use, ideally with thermostatic radiator valves and timers. This cuts heat loss and avoids waste. The advice counters a popular claim, and it aligns with common-sense thermodynamics source.

Lewis also warned about tumble dryer costs, calling the machine a “demon appliance.” Dryers use a lot of electricity over long cycles, so air drying and boosting ventilation can trim bills. A dehumidifier can help in damp rooms, though line drying remains cheapest in fair weather source.

What rising energy costs mean for GB households

Under Ofgem’s July cap forecast, the typical annual bill could rise by £332. That is about £27.67 a month, which matters for direct-debit plans and summer budgeting. We think the Money Saving Expert message is timely. The projection reminds us to cut wasted heat, seal draughts, and review settings before cooler evenings return.

Run full laundry loads, use higher spin speeds to remove more water, and improve indoor airflow so clothes dry faster on racks. Keep doors closed in unused rooms and set lower temperatures where possible. These habits reduce runtime for both heating and dryers. They are simple to adopt and add up over weeks and months.

Investor view: inflation and UK equities

A projected energy bill increase can slow disinflation and keep services inflation sticky. That complicates the Bank of England’s rate path and may delay cuts. We will watch upcoming CPI prints, wage growth, and utility components for confirmation. Any upside surprise could weigh on rate-sensitive assets and keep UK gilt yields firmer for longer.

Higher energy outlay often trims discretionary spend, pressuring apparel, leisure, and some e-commerce names. Grocers may hold up better, though trading down can hit margins. Utilities see stable revenue under the cap but face arrears risk. We track churn, bad-debt provisions, and cash collection. Money Saving Expert guidance can shift behaviour, nudging demand lower at the margin.

Action plan to trim energy use today

Use room-by-room controls with TRVs, set timers to match when you are home, and keep radiators bled to improve flow. Draught-proof doors and windows and add basic insulation where possible. Martin Lewis heating tips stress focusing spend where it works. Money Saving Expert advice pairs well with small maintenance that boosts comfort without higher bills.

Submit regular meter readings or use a smart meter for accuracy. Check if your supplier offers time-of-use pricing that suits your schedule. Review support schemes if eligible, and consider budget updates before the July cap change. Comparing tariffs when options arise keeps you informed and reduces surprises in the next billing cycle.

Final Thoughts

Money Saving Expert cuts through the noise with clear guidance: do not leave heating on low all day, heat spaces you use, and rethink dryer habits. With Ofgem’s July cap projection adding £332 to annual bills, small actions can protect cash flow. We suggest reviewing timers, TRVs, and draught-proofing, plus shifting laundry to air drying where possible. For investors, watch CPI prints, retail sales, and utilities’ arrears as signals of consumer strain. Act now: audit your home energy use this week, adjust settings, build a buffer for summer bills, and follow official updates and Money Saving Expert alerts to stay ahead.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.