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UK Cold Snap Prompts New Heating Guidance: Don’t Crank the Thermostat

With official weather alerts active, experts stress efficient settings over turning thermostats up.

Overview

  • Met Office yellow snow warnings run from Thursday evening to Friday midday and the UKHSA’s amber cold‑health alert for England remains in place until 10am Friday.
  • Heating specialists reiterate that turning the thermostat higher does not warm homes faster, with advice to target about 18–21°C and consider a one‑degree reduction to cut costs.
  • Which? urges keeping thermostatic radiator valves no higher than three, fully opening those nearest the main thermostat, and using the frost setting when away to protect pipes.
  • For homes with combi boilers, experts recommend lowering boiler flow temperature to around 60°C to improve efficiency and trim bills, noting rooms may heat more gradually.
  • Low‑cost measures include bleeding radiators, sealing draughts, moving furniture away from radiators, using curtains tactically, tapping residual oven heat after cooking, and considering a portable heater for single‑room use.