A simple thermostat trick to help homeowners save money on their energy bills has been revealed. Seven million are planning to cut back on the number of baths and showers they take this winter to help them afford rising energy costs, according to National Debtline. Stephen Day, director at iHeat, says, “Lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can reduce your energy bills by up to 10 percent.” He stresses the importance of using timers to heat homes only when necessary, especially if people are out during the day. Day also recommends combining these strategies by setting the thermostat to 18 to 20°C and programming it to activate 30 minutes before waking up to stay warm efficiently.
Findings from this leading debt advice charity show alarming statistics: 24.1 million people (45 percent) are heading toward winter worried about their finances. With one in four (5.7 million people) feeling the negative impacts of these worries on their health, and one-fifth (22 percent) regularly losing sleep due to financial concerns, these insights reveal the strain the rising energy costs place on many families.
“Each of your home appliances should be checked to operate with the most efficiency and, as such, save you as much money on your energy bills as possible,” advises Stuart Middleton, consumer energy expert at So Energy. This includes everything from the limescale buildup in kettles to the proper positioning of your refrigerator. Middleton adds, “Things like limescale inside of kettles can impact how efficiently your appliances are working and can be responsible for small but consistent upticks in your energy costs, so be sure to clean out your kettle regularly and do your laundry in larger, less-frequent loads.”
These recommendations come as energy arrears have reached record figures of £3.7 billion, according to the latest data from regulator Ofgem.
A common thermostat mistake could cause households to see their energy bills double this winter, especially as families face rising heating and electricity costs. Many have turned to experts for advice to relieve this financial pressure. One heating specialist warns against misconceptions surrounding thermostat usage, stressing: turning up the thermostat does not heat homes faster; it only controls the final temperature.
Setting the temperature too high wastes energy unnecessarily and can lead to higher bills. A poll conducted for National Debtline found similar concerns, with 45 percent of people entering winter anxious over their finances, and about 12 percent planning to limit showers and baths to save money.
Aside from appropriate thermostat settings, another effective strategy to conserve energy is proper placement of the thermostat. Energy expert Ben Gallizzi from Uswitch.com points out the importance of where the thermostat is installed, as its location dictates how effectively the heating system works. He suggests the best place for the thermostat is within the room most used, typically the living room, as it tends to maintain the most stable temperature throughout the day.
“Try to avoid placing the thermostat close to heat sources such as radiators or ovens, or exposing it to direct sunlight,” Gallizzi cautions. He also advises against placement in hallways where temperature fluctuations can trigger unnecessary heating. Proper airflow around the thermostat ensures it reads the current room temperature accurately.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, maintaining indoor temperatures between 18 to 21 degrees Celsius during the winter months is optimal. Simple adjustments such as turning down the thermostat by just one degree can yield substantial savings—up to 10 percent on energy bills.
If moving the thermostat is not feasible, homeowners should verify if their units are battery-operated, making it easier to relocate them. Upgrading to wireless thermostats might be beneficial for more precise control over home heating.
What support exists for energy bills? Various avenues provide help for those struggling to pay energy bills. Companies often offer repayment plans to spread outstanding debts, which can ease financial burdens. Several energy firms, such as British Gas and Scottish Gas, provide grants to assist struggling clients with payments. Even non-customers can sometimes apply for specific funds.
Unfortunately, thousands of vulnerable households could miss out on additional help and protections without registering for the Priority Services Register (PSR). This service offers support to vulnerable families, such as elderly or ill individuals, providing benefits like advance notice of blackouts and free gas safety checks.
The expense of new smart thermostats ranges from £120 to £220, excluding installation, which typically costs between £30 and £80, depending on the complexity of the installation.
To keep energy costs down, homeowners can also look at fixed energy tariffs. Gallizzi reports, “There is a good range of fixed deals on the market right now which could save the average household around £130 per year.” Setting heating to activate only when at home, such as waking hours, is another wise strategy. Turning off radiators in unused rooms helps save costs.
Several tips can help maintain warmth without relying on heating systems. Layering clothes, using blankets, and thick winter duvets can keep the chill at bay. An electric blanket, running at approximately three pence per hour, is another affordable solution to combat cold days or nights. When utilizing hot water bottles, it's important to purchase new ones regularly and avoid filling them with boiling water.
Lastly, people should check their eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment, aiming to assist older individuals and those receiving certain benefits. Some energy companies might even offer free heating services on certain days, like Christmas.
