[smudgie]

Hubby and I have just been researching this very subject.
We are in the process of buying a bungalow, it is going to be empty more or less over the winter and early spring, the vendors have agreed to keep the heating on timed twice a day until we complete and get the keys, then we intend to do the same.
Hubby will be there a lot of the time as well, (total renovation/refurb) plus there are rules to observe for insurance purposes.
Anyhow, the results of our research tell us not to keep it on continuous, as it still has to flare up when it changes temperature so no energy is saved in that department. As has been said, it costs money for all the time it is on, and doesn't when it's off.