Keeping thermostatic radiator valves at three or lower can help UK households cut heating costs while staying comfortable this winter, according to heating experts at Which?.
The not-for-profit consumer champions shared the advice in a TikTok video, as reported by Cambridgeshire Live. The tip focuses on adjusting the dial settings on each radiator in a property, with every numbered setting relating to a particular room temperature.
Recommended Radiator Settings for Each Room
In the video, a Which? expert advised against setting the dial higher than three, except in the room where the thermostat is located. Setting the valve to five opens it to the maximum, allowing a large flow of hot water into the radiator when the heating is on, which is useful for quickly heating a room such as a living room, especially if the main thermostat is there. However, if every radiator is set to five, heating bills could be higher than necessary.
For bedrooms, the expert suggested keeping the dial between two and three, which maintains room temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees, described as comfortable and potentially money-saving.
Preventing Frozen Pipes When Away
The specialist also shared advice for homeowners going away for a period. 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.
Additional Energy-Saving Tips
Which? offered several other tips to cut heating bills. Ensuring the boiler runs efficiently, with instructions found in the user manual or online by searching the make and model, is recommended. An annual boiler service can maximise efficiency and reduce the risk of a breakdown that could lead to a hefty repair bill.
The organisation also recommends turning combi boilers down to a flow temperature of 60 degrees, as most are set to around 80 degrees by default. Radiator systems should be cleaned to remove sludge, indicated by radiators taking a long time to heat up or cold spots at the bottom. Homeowners should also check radiators are balanced, ensuring each receives enough water, which can be done during a boiler service.
Additionally, Which? says turning down the heating temperature by just one degree can cut energy bills by around 10 per cent, and recommends installing insulation at home.
