Households across the United Kingdom are being presented with a remarkably straightforward method to reduce their energy expenditure significantly. According to the latest data, the average monthly electric bill in the UK stands at £73.41, which accumulates to approximately £880 over the course of a year. In response to this substantial financial burden, experts from the Energy Saving Trust have highlighted a simple adjustment that could lead to considerable savings.
The Power of Consistent Temperature Control
Central to this advice is the effective use of heating controls, specifically the room thermostat. The Energy Saving Trust emphasises that maintaining a consistent temperature is key. It not only ensures your home remains comfortably warm without the risk of overheating but also plays a crucial role in preventing energy wastage.
In detailed guidance shared on its blog, the Trust explains: "A room thermostat keeps your home at a steady temperature. It turns the heating on until it reaches your chosen temperature, then switches it off until the room cools slightly." This cyclical operation is fundamental to efficient energy use.
How to Achieve Substantial Savings
The experts recommend beginning by setting your thermostat to the "lowest comfortable temperature". For many individuals, this typically falls within the range of 18°C to 21°C. A practical starting point is to set the thermostat to 18°C and assess personal comfort levels.
The potential financial benefit is striking. The Energy Saving Trust notes: "If you turn your thermostat down by just one degree, from 22°C to 21°C, you could save £90 in Great Britain and £80 in Northern Ireland." This minor adjustment could therefore shave nearly £100 off annual energy costs for many households.
Furthermore, the Trust provides additional insight: "You don’t need to turn your thermostat up when it is colder outside. The house will heat up to the set temperature regardless. It may take a little longer on colder days, so you might want to set your heating to come on earlier in the winter." This advice helps dispel a common misconception and promotes more efficient heating habits.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls with Radiators
The guidance also extends to the use of radiator covers, which are often employed for aesthetic purposes to conceal unsightly radiators. However, the Energy Saving Trust issues a clear warning against their use.
"We don’t recommend using radiator covers," the Trust states. "They prevent the TRV (thermostatic radiator valves) from getting an accurate temperature reading. Warm air can get trapped under the cover, and the TRV senses that the room is warmer than it actually is."
Thermostatic radiator valves are designed to control the flow of hot water to individual radiators, thereby regulating room temperature. They typically feature a dial, usually numbered from 0 to 6, allowing users to set their preference. Turning the dial clockwise generally decreases heat output, while turning it anticlockwise increases it.
The valve operates by sensing the air temperature; it automatically reduces water flow when the room is warm and increases it when the room cools. With this mechanism in mind, experts strongly advise setting each room individually according to its use. Keeping unused rooms on lower settings is a highly effective strategy for reducing overall energy consumption and, consequently, lowering bills.
By implementing these practical tips—adjusting the main thermostat, understanding its operation, and managing radiators correctly—UK households can take meaningful steps towards alleviating the pressure of high energy costs. The combination of behavioural changes and technical awareness offers a viable path to significant annual savings.
