Overview
- Energy specialists across multiple firms recommend setting the main thermostat between 18–21°C and lowering it by 1°C, which they say can reduce bills by roughly 10% or about £90–£145 a year.
- Households are advised to heat only occupied rooms using zoning, TRVs, timers and smart thermostats, and to avoid using the thermostat like an on/off or boost switch.
- Newly highlighted airflow advice urges keeping furniture at least 30cm from radiators, with experts warning that blocked radiators can cut heating efficiency and that bleeding radiators yearly improves performance.
- Low‑cost efficiency steps such as draught‑proofing doors, windows and chimneys, and smart use of curtains can retain heat and deliver meaningful savings without major upgrades.
- For cold snaps or when away, experts recommend maintaining a low minimum setting of around 10°C and insulating exposed pipework to reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes.