Overview

• Households with British Gas, OVO, EDF and Octopus could save about £180 by waiting to switch heating on until outdoor temperatures fall below roughly 15°C.
• Reducing the thermostat from the UK average of 20.8°C to around 18°C can cut fuel bills by up to 10%, or about £80.
• Heat only rooms in use and keep the radiator on in the room with the thermostat to maintain accurate control and improve boiler efficiency, with potential savings of over £100 if applied daily.
• Use smart thermostat features and schedule heating, such as starting an hour before waking on sub‑10°C mornings, to avoid wasted energy and return to a warm home cost‑effectively.
• People worried about costs are encouraged to contact local councils or their energy supplier for grants and support available through winter.