As winter bites and temperatures are set to plunge to freezing with snow expected in some regions, rising heating costs have become a major concern. With heating bills now about £600 more per year than in 2022, many households are seeking practical ways to keep warm without breaking the bank.
Experts across the energy sector concur that setting your thermostat between 18°C and 21°C is the most efficient way to maintain comfort and reduce expenses. Nick Duggan, Managing Director at The Radiator Centre, notes, “Every degree above 21°C can increase your heating bill by approximately 10%. Ensuring your radiators function efficiently is key to saving money.”
Octopus Energy highlights that treating your thermostat like an on/off switch is counterproductive. Instead, keeping it steady between 18°C and 21°C optimizes energy use. A representative states, “Turning your thermostat down by just one degree could save you up to £145 annually.”
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Fiona Peake from Ocean Finance echoes this, explaining, “Setting the thermostat higher to heat the home faster wastes energy, as boilers operate at a constant pace. The smartest approach is a steady, comfortable setting around 18°C to 21°C.”
Heating experts from Hive and BOXT recommend similar ranges. Gav Murray, Heating Director at Hive, advises 18°C to 21°C for daytime, with many users preferring 18°C. Adam Knight from BOXT suggests a daytime temperature between 18°C and 20°C, lowering slightly at night to 16°C-17°C for added savings.
Ricky Sharma from Engineering Real Results cites the Energy Saving Trust’s findings that a one-degree reduction can slash bills by roughly 10%, equating to about £120 annual savings. Matthew Sheeran of Money Wellness concurs, adding that using timers to heat only when necessary can further prevent wasted energy and reduce costs.
Adopting these thermostat settings, coupled with simple habits like wearing layers, can significantly ease the impact of soaring energy prices while keeping your home comfortably warm through the winter months.