Did you know that heating and hot water accounts for over half of what you spend on your energy bills?
Boilers are the most common type of central heating system in the UK, with around 23 million homes getting their heating and hot water from gas boilers. Read on to learn how to set and use your central heating controls correctly.
Set your room thermostat
A room thermostat prevents your heating system from using more fuel than it needs to. It will turn the heating on until the room reaches the temperature you have set and then off until the temperature drops below your programmed temperature.
The thermostat should be set to the lowest comfortable temperature, typically between 18°C and 21°C. You don’t need to turn your room thermostat up when it is colder outside; the house will heat up to the set temperature whatever the weather, however it may take a little longer on colder days. Turning up your room thermostat won’t make your home heat any faster.
Also, bear in mind that room thermostats need a free flow of air to sense the temperature, so make sure they’re not blocked by curtains or furniture, and keep them away from heat sources.
Learn how to use your programmer
A timer or programmer allows you to control when your heating and hot water comes on and when it goes off.
This is useful because it means you can programme your central heating to fit around the way your home is used. If you’re not at home or don’t require heating at night, for example, then you can programme the heating system to switch off during these times.
Programmers allow you to set ‘on’ and ‘off’ time periods. You should set the central heating programme to come on around half an hour before you get up, and go off around half an hour before you go to bed. And if the house is empty during the day, or you can manage without heating during the day, make sure you’ve set the programmer to go off for this period too.
Check that the clock on the programmer is correct before you set your programmes. Remember, you might need to adjust it when the clocks change.
Use thermostatic radiator valves
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) allow you to control the temperature of your individual radiators, so you can turn down the heat in rooms you are not using.
They work by sensing the air temperature around them. If the room is warmer than the setting on the TRV, the valve will close a little, reducing the volume of hot water flowing into the radiator. If the room temperature is lower than the valve setting, the valve opens, increasing the flow of hot water into the radiator.
They are usually marked with a scale from 0 – 6, where zero (0) is off and six (6) is fully open. Aim for the lowest setting that keeps the room at a comfortable temperature, as this will reduce the volume of hot water, using less energy and saving you money.
Check your boiler thermostat
Your boiler should have a dial or a digital temperature setting, usually marked in numbers or from minimum (min) to maximum (max). This sets the temperature of the water that is pumped from the boiler through the radiators to heat your home. If it’s not set high enough when it’s very cold outside, your home may not reach the temperature you need to be comfortable.
Invest in smart heating controls
Many companies now offer more advanced smart controls for central heating systems that connect to the internet, allowing them to be accessed and adjusted remotely.
One advantage of a smart heating control system is that you can make changes remotely if your plans change – for example, you can change the time that your heating comes on if it turns out you will be home sooner or later than you thought.
Having a system that can learn your habits and adjust times to minimise energy use requires very little input from you once the system has been set up.
Keep your boiler serviced
A boiler service is recommended every year and will help maintain its performance. The cost will vary depending on where you live and how much work is needed, but those living in rented accommodation should always have this paid for by the landlord.
If your boiler needs replacing, we have advice to help youbuy a new, energy efficient model.
Other heating controls
If you think you might have other types of heating controls as part of your heating system, we have more advice to help you set them correctly.
Or if you’re looking for other ways to save money on your energy bills, our tips and information on financial support could help.
Further reading
Heating controls The right heating controls will let you keep your home at a comfortable temperature without wasting fuel or heat. Quick tips to save energy Follow our 10 quick tips for straightforward ways to save energy, lower your bills and reduce your carbon footprint. How to save money on your energy bills Every home should be warm and safe, but for many households across the UK, the reality is very different.
Dropping the thermostat temperature within your home is one of the best ways to ensure your home heating is efficiently managed. Even just a difference of 1 degree celsius can have a large impact in your overall heating bills. Generally, anywhere between 19-21 degrees celsius should be comfortable for most homes.
What is the best temperature setting for central heating? When it comes to setting room temperature, the sweet spot is between 18°C and 21°C. This is within most people's comfort zone. For bedroom temperatures, if possible, you want it around 16°C to 19°C.
6 – 8 am: Set your thermostat so your heating turns on half an hour before you wake up. That way, your home will be warm and comfortable when you manage to climb out of bed. 8 am – 4 pm: While you're at work or out and about, set your thermostat to a lower temperature, such as 18-20°C.
The ideal thermostat temperature in the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home. Energy.gov suggests that 68 degrees is a good room temperature while you're awake at home but recommends lowering it while you're asleep or away.
According to the experts at the Energy Savings Trust, the idea that you can save money by keeping your central heating permanently on low is a myth. This is mainly because of problems with home insulation. If your house is old or draughty, for example, heat will be leaking out through windows and doors.
The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.
What flow temperature is best? The lower you set your flow temperature the longer it will take to heat your home. It may take some trial and error to find the sweet spot for your home. Innovation charity Nesta suggests a flow temperature of 60°C, or slightly lower if your home is particularly well insulated.
Keeping your heating at a low temperature all day long is an oft-cited approach, but unless your house is very well insulated or particularly prone to condensation, it's not a method we recommend.
Energy.gov suggests that 68 degrees is a good room temperature while you're awake at home but recommends lowering it while you're asleep or away. Lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day can reduce your annual heating expenses by as much as 10 percent.
You'll usually find that a temperature between 18°C and 21°C is comfortable. Try setting your thermostat 1 degree lower to see if you still find the temperature comfortable. Every degree you turn your thermostat down can save around 10% on your energy bill.
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