Introduction
Something as simple as setting central heating to a lower temperature can be surprisingly effective at reducing fuel bills and reducing carbon emissions.
Why
Especially in the UK, where we tend not to have air-conditioning units at home and so get used to our homes being warm in the summer, it’s tempting to expect the same temperature in the winter. Although we might enjoy wearing shorts and a T-shirt indoors all year round, putting on trousers and a sweater and turning down the thermostat can have a significant effect on fuel bills as well as cutting carbon emissions.
If you’re over 65 or have a medical condition, please note that health professionals recommend 18°C as the minimum room temperature.
“Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10%, saving around £50 per year.”
How?
If you have a conventional central heating programmer you can check that the the “on” and “off” times match the times when you need heating and adjust your thermostat down a notch.
Smart heating controls can help reduce energy use by assessing the weather, calculating how quickly your property heats up, and learning when you’re home.
Thermostatic valves on each radiator are a cheaper option. They let you control the heating in each room and you can fit them yourself.
