British households could lower their heating costs by keeping radiator dials at or below three, according to consumer experts at Which?. The not-for-profit organisation shared guidance on its TikTok channel explaining how a single adjustment to thermostatic radiator valves can reduce energy expenditure.
Each numbered setting on a radiator dial corresponds to a particular room temperature, the Which? specialist explained. While higher settings allow more hot water into the radiator, using them across the whole home can push heating bills up unnecessarily.
Recommended settings for each room
The specialist advised: "Don't have this dial higher than three. Unless it's the room where your thermostat is." Cranked up to five, a thermostatic radiator valve opens fully, letting large amounts of hot water into the radiator when the heating is on. That is useful for rooms you want to heat quickly, such as a living room where the main thermostat is located.
However, the expert warned that setting every radiator to five could mean heating bills are higher than they need to be. Bedroom radiators should stay between settings two and three, which keeps temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees, described as comfortable and potentially money-saving.
Protecting pipes while away
The specialist also offered advice for periods when homeowners are away from the property. Setting the dial to the frost sign allows just enough water into the radiator to keep the room above seven degrees, preventing pipes from freezing when the heating is on.
