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Britons Cut Back on Heating as Guides Push Low-Cost Fixes to Keep Warm

Practical steps focus on insulation upgrades, draught control, targeted radiator settings, smarter timers and careful thermostat use.

Overview

  • New reporting cites a LoftZone survey of 2,000 people finding 96% plan to reduce heating this winter, with two thirds worried about paying bills and many households arguing over thermostat settings.
  • The same research flags widespread inefficiencies such as damp or mould (31%), draughty windows (26%) and uninsulated or damaged roofs, with draught‑proofing alone estimated to save about £80 a year.
  • Experts urge boosting loft insulation to the government‑recommended 300 mm, noting that a typical home can lose around a quarter of its heat through the roof.
  • Targeted upgrades include fitting TRVs to control individual radiators, using radiator fans or reflectors, bleeding radiators to remove cold spots and keeping furniture clear to improve heat output.
  • Advice stresses heating only occupied rooms, using timers to start and stop about 30 minutes around need, lowering the thermostat by 1°C to cut bills by roughly 10% and avoiding the misconception that turning the thermostat higher warms a home faster.