British Gas has issued a timely reminder to its customers, urging them to adopt a simple but effective strategy to stay warm while keeping a lid on soaring energy costs this winter. The advice centres on a core principle: wait and add a layer before reaching for the thermostat.
The 'Wait & Dress' Rule Explained
According to the energy giant, the first step to cutting your bill is to pause before adjusting your heating. The company recommends trying to wear a warm jumper or socks and waiting to see if this extra layer provides enough comfort. This simple act could mean you avoid unnecessarily pumping up the heating, saving both time fiddling with controls and, crucially, money on your final bill.
If layering up still leaves you feeling cold, then it's time to ensure each room is heated to a suitable temperature. British Gas emphasises that the "best room temperature will vary" but provides clear guidelines. It also reminds households to turn heating off completely when away on holiday to avoid wasting energy.
Ideal Temperatures for Every Room
Heating your home efficiently means not treating it as one uniform space. British Gas recommends different temperatures for different rooms based on their use:
Living Room, Office & Bathroom: 20-22°C. These are spaces for relaxation or sedentary work, requiring a higher baseline for comfort.
Kitchen: 18-20°C. The heat from cooking appliances naturally warms this room, so a lower setting is often sufficient.
Adult Bedroom: 16-18°C. A cooler environment supports better sleep by aligning with the body's natural temperature drop at night.
Baby's Bedroom: 16-20°C. This range is critical to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as advised by the NHS.
Hallways & Landings: 15-18°C. These are transient areas, but the heat must be high enough to prevent problems with damp and condensation.
Further Tips to Maximise Savings
Beyond the initial 'wait and dress' advice, British Gas highlights other key rules for efficient energy use. Zoning—only heating rooms that are in use—is far more efficient than warming the whole house. Regular boiler maintenance with an annual service is also essential, both for safety and to keep warranties valid.
Perhaps one of the most impactful tips is to consider turning your thermostat down by just one degree. Lowering the temperature by 1°C can typically save around 10% on your energy bill. This small adjustment reduces the time and energy required to heat your home.
For vulnerable groups, specific advice is offered. Age UK recommends those aged 65 and over maintain a steady temperature of around 18°C in their main living areas. Using curtains to trap heat, closing doors to unused rooms, and turning down radiators in empty spaces can all help manage costs while staying warm.
For pregnant women, comfort is personal, but staying hydrated and avoiding overheating during hot weather is crucial. When sleeping, The Sleep Charity recommends an ideal bedroom temperature of 16-18°C for everyone, noting that anything over 24°C can cause restlessness.
By following these practical steps, households can take greater control of their energy use, improve home comfort, and achieve meaningful savings during the colder months.
