Households can cut their energy bills by up to £120 a year simply by adjusting their thermostat by one degree, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
The advice comes as winter approaches and energy costs remain a concern for many households.
Recommended Thermostat Settings
The Energy Saving Trust advises: “You should set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature for your needs. For most people, this is between 18°C and 21°C. If you can, turning down your thermostat from 22°C to 21°C can save £120 a year in GB and £80 in NI on energy bills.”
The trust explains that a room thermostat prevents the central heating system from using more energy than necessary. It turns the heating on until the room reaches the set temperature, then switches off until the temperature drops again.
How to Get the Best from Your Thermostat
The energy savings experts note that turning up the room thermostat will not make the home heat any faster. Room thermostats require a free flow of air to gauge the temperature accurately. Households should ensure thermostats are not blocked by curtains or furniture and are kept away from heat sources such as radiators.
The Energy Saving Trust adds: “You don’t need to turn your room thermostat up when it is colder outside. Your home will heat up to your chosen temperature whatever the weather, but it may take a little longer on colder days.”
Health and Cost Considerations
While it may be tempting to avoid running the heating to save money, NHS advice recommends heating the home to a minimum of 18°C to help stay healthy and protect against the cold.
Households may already be feeling the strain of high energy bills after a 4% hike to Ofgem's energy price cap this month, adding up to £5 extra per month to bills. However, a small change to how heating is run can help reduce costs.
