Turning up the thermostat beyond the desired temperature doesn’t speed up heating (Image: SimpleImages)
UK households are being alerted to a potentially expensive error with their thermostats that could cause energy bills to soar.
As residents grapple with escalating energy costs, a simple misstep could spell the difference between affordable bills and a financial shock this winter.
Fortunately, this cost-saving issue is easy to sidestep, according to heating experts at Plumbworld.
A common misconception is that cranking up the thermostat will heat the home quicker – but in truth, a thermostat doesn’t regulate the speed of heating; it merely sets the final temperature your home will achieve.
This implies that setting it too high not only squanders energy but also sends bills skyrocketing.
Keeping the thermostat excessively high for extended periods can significantly boost your energy consumption, particularly in winter when heating systems are strained to combat the cold.
With energy prices on an upward trajectory, people are striving to be more energy-efficient than ever.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that approximately 57% of UK households have struggled with energy costs in the past year.
These pressures make avoiding unnecessary energy wastage not just a money-saving measure but a crucial survival strategy for many families,
Woman adjusting temperature on digital thermostat (Image: Getty)
A expert has highlighted that minute adjustments to thermostat usage could significantly lower energy bills: “Making small changes to how you use your thermostat can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.
“By keeping your thermostat within the recommended 18-21°C range, avoiding the urge to ‘heat faster,’ and using a programmable thermostat to regulate temperatures throughout the day, you can prevent unnecessary energy waste.
“Combine this with regular boiler maintenance and simple habits like layering up, and you could save hundreds of pounds annually while keeping your home comfortable during the colder months.”
Here are the expert’s tips to ensure you’re heating your home efficiently without overspending:
Set the thermostat to the right temperature:
The ideal indoor temperature for comfort and efficiency is 18-21°C. This range is sufficient to keep most homes warm without overburdening your heating system.
Make sure you layer up (Image: Getty)
Avoid turning up the thermostat to ‘heat faster’:
Turning up the thermostat beyond the desired temperature doesn’t speed up heating. Instead, it leads to overheating, energy waste, and higher bills.
Use a programmable thermostat:
Invest in a smart or programmable thermostat to maintain consistent temperatures and reduce heating when you’re asleep or out of the house. Setting lower temperatures for night time (around 16°C) can also help save money.
Layer up before adjusting the heat:
Before you crank up the thermostat, make sure you’re dressed for the weather. Simple measures like donning a jumper or wrapping up in blankets can lessen your dependence on heating systems.
Regular boiler maintenance is key:
Ensure your boiler and heating system are serviced yearly. A poorly performing boiler can ramp up energy use, even if you’re using your thermostat correctly.
Keep an eye on your energy use – many smart meters now offer real-time data on energy consumption. Monitoring this can help you spot when your heating costs surge and adjust your usage accordingly.