As winter approaches and temperatures plummet, millions of Britons are facing the annual dilemma of balancing warmth with affordability. But energy supplier Octopus Energy has revealed a simple, cost-free trick that could significantly reduce your heating bills without sacrificing comfort.
The Radiator Control Secret
According to energy experts at Octopus, many households are unknowingly wasting money by incorrectly setting their thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). These are the numbered dials typically found on the side of radiators that control heat output in individual rooms.
"Most people think turning these to the highest setting heats the room faster," explains an Octopus Energy spokesperson. "But that's not how they work. Setting them to maximum means the radiator will continue heating regardless of the room temperature, burning through energy and money."
The Perfect Settings for Every Room
Octopus recommends these optimal TRV settings for different areas of your home:
- Living rooms and frequently used spaces: Set to 3 or 4 for comfortable warmth
- Bedrooms: Set to 2 or 3 for cooler sleeping conditions
- Bathrooms: Set to 4 or 5 for quick warmth when needed
- Hallways and rarely used rooms: Set to 1 or the frost protection setting
Why This Simple Change Works
Thermostatic radiator valves are designed to automatically regulate heat output based on the room temperature. When set correctly, they prevent overheating and stop radiators from working harder than necessary.
"It's about being smarter with your heating," the spokesperson continues. "By setting TRVs appropriately, you're not just saving money – you're creating a more comfortable living environment where each room maintains its ideal temperature."
Additional Winter Energy Savings Tips
Beyond radiator settings, Octopus suggests these additional measures to keep costs down:
- Bleed radiators regularly to ensure they're working efficiently
- Use your main thermostat wisely – lowering it by just 1°C can save around £115 annually
- Close curtains at dusk to retain heat and reduce draughts
- Move furniture away from radiators to allow heat circulation
With energy prices remaining high, these simple adjustments could make a significant difference to household budgets during the coldest months. The best part? They cost nothing to implement and can be done in minutes.
As one Octopus customer reported after implementing the changes: "I was sceptical at first, but our next bill was noticeably lower. It's amazing how such a small adjustment can have such a big impact."
