As the weather begins to get colder as we edge closer to winter, more and more households across the UK are beginning to turn their heating on to keep their home cosy and warm. 

But with the cost of living and energy bills continuing to rise, some people may be hesitant to stick the heating on for too long and risk racking up a hefty bill.

So what is the cheapest way to heat your home? 

The experts at Check-a-Trade have come up with a few tips on how to heat your home without accumulating a pricy energy bill each month.

How you can reduce your energy bills

What is the cheapest way to heat your home?

Check-a-Trade experts say there are three cost-effective ways to heat your home:

Gas central heating systems

The experts said that often gas central heating was the "most cost-effective solution for heating your home".

Check-a-Trade said: "As gas is generally cheaper than electricity – and modern gas boilers are more energy-efficient than their older counterparts – gas central heating systems are often the most cost-effective solution for heating your home.

"This is especially true when compared to electric heaters alone."

The trades experts added that using a thermostat to regulate temperature and timing when your heating comes on will also help "reduce your energy usage and costs".

Renewable energy heat pumps

Another option is to use renewable heating systems such as ground, air, or water source heat pumps, Check-a-Trade said.

Is it cheaper to keep the heating on low all day?

The experts explained: "Due to drawing the thermal energy from the ground, air, or nearby water source to generate heat for your home, they’re far more environmentally friendly than traditional gas or electric heating systems."

They warned there is a "high" initial installation cost that comes with a heat pump as well as potential added costs including new radiators, pipes and even a boiler to "optimise your heat pump’s energy performance".

But Check-a-Trade added: "The long-term savings on energy bills is significant enough to make them worth the investment."

They also said it was worth noting the government is going to ban gas boilers from being installed in newly built domestic properties from 2050, so "it’s worth future-proofing your property and resale value now".

There are also various grants households in the UK could be eligible for.

Consider a combination of heat sources

The third cost-effective way to heat your home is by using a combination of different sources.

The Check-a-Trade experts said an example if this was using your gas central heating to warm up your home quickly, but then switch to an electric heater or a wood-burning stove to maintain the temperature in the room.

Is it cheaper to leave the heating on all day?

The experts at Check-a-Trade, answering the question is it cheaper to leave the heating on all day, said "no, sadly this is a myth."

They explained: "Leaving your heating on all day still uses energy, which costs you money. Only put the heating on when you need it."

Does turning off radiators in unused rooms save money?

Check-a-Trade said another one of the most frequently asked questions they get is "Does turning off radiators in unused rooms save money?".

Their answer: "Yes, this is a good way to help your boiler use energy more efficiently. It will allow you to heat your house more quickly and your boiler will turn off sooner, saving you money."

The experts also added that turning your heating on and off doesn't cost you more.