Overview
- The Met Office forecasts a marked shift to colder air with rising chances of sleet and snow from late week into early next week, especially in northern areas.
- The Energy Saving Trust advises setting room thermostats generally between 18C and 21C and prioritising warmth for older or medically vulnerable people, with timers preferred over leaving a boiler on low all day.
- Martin Lewis urges a one-degree thermostat reduction that could trim roughly 10% from heating bills and recommends lowering boiler flow temperature to about 60C, a change he says can save around £100 a year.
- Consumer guidance stresses correct use of thermostatic radiator valves, keeping most rooms at about 2–3 on the dial and avoiding setting every radiator to maximum, with the frost setting advised for longer absences.
- Ahead of the freeze, specialists promote quick fixes and maintenance such as bleeding radiators, fitting thermal curtains, draught-proofing, improving loft insulation or adding a hot-water cylinder jacket, plus brief daily ventilation to curb damp.