Small tweaks to your heating system can make a big impact on your energy bills. Sarah Pennells, a consumer finance specialist at Royal London, says that "small changes can make a big difference" when it comes to staying warm and saving energy.
Firstly, using a timer or smart thermostat can help you control your heating system remotely. These thermostats can be programmed to turn on and off automatically, so you don't have to worry about turning down the temperature before leaving the house. Smart thermostats like the Bosch Room Thermostat II (£69.99) and the Hive Thermostat V4 (£155) can be fitted without professional help, but some may require a specialist for installation.
Smart thermostats offer more features than traditional timers, including multi-room control, hot water control, and "geofencing" which tracks your movements around the house. Prices vary from £60 to £250, depending on the brand and model.
In addition to using smart tech, reducing temperatures can also save you money. Turning down your thermostat by just 1 degree can save up to £90 a year in Great Britain, according to the Energy Saving Trust. However, if you're elderly or have a health condition, it's recommended not to set the temperature below 21C.
Another way to reduce energy consumption is to lower the flow temperature of your boiler. If you have a combi boiler, reducing the flow temperature can save up to £30 a year. On the other hand, if you have a system boiler or hot water cylinder, it's recommended not to do this yourself and get advice from an engineer.
Using thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) is also a good option. TRVs allow you to adjust the temperature separately in each room, which can save up to £35 a year. However, it's worth noting that turning off your heating entirely can lead to mould and damp issues, which may be more costly and dangerous in the long run.
Reflectors behind radiators can also help improve heat distribution without adding extra cost. Using foil reflectors can help reduce energy consumption by dispersing heat back into the room rather than losing it through external walls.
Finally, keeping your boiler serviced is essential to maintaining its efficiency and lifespan. A standard boiler service costs between £70 and £110 and can catch minor problems before they become major issues. If you live in rented housing, it's your landlord's responsibility to ensure that the boiler is serviced annually by a Gas Safe or Oftec-certified engineer.
By making these small tweaks to your heating system, you can significantly reduce your energy bills while staying warm and comfortable in your home.
Firstly, using a timer or smart thermostat can help you control your heating system remotely. These thermostats can be programmed to turn on and off automatically, so you don't have to worry about turning down the temperature before leaving the house. Smart thermostats like the Bosch Room Thermostat II (£69.99) and the Hive Thermostat V4 (£155) can be fitted without professional help, but some may require a specialist for installation.
Smart thermostats offer more features than traditional timers, including multi-room control, hot water control, and "geofencing" which tracks your movements around the house. Prices vary from £60 to £250, depending on the brand and model.
In addition to using smart tech, reducing temperatures can also save you money. Turning down your thermostat by just 1 degree can save up to £90 a year in Great Britain, according to the Energy Saving Trust. However, if you're elderly or have a health condition, it's recommended not to set the temperature below 21C.
Another way to reduce energy consumption is to lower the flow temperature of your boiler. If you have a combi boiler, reducing the flow temperature can save up to £30 a year. On the other hand, if you have a system boiler or hot water cylinder, it's recommended not to do this yourself and get advice from an engineer.
Using thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) is also a good option. TRVs allow you to adjust the temperature separately in each room, which can save up to £35 a year. However, it's worth noting that turning off your heating entirely can lead to mould and damp issues, which may be more costly and dangerous in the long run.
Reflectors behind radiators can also help improve heat distribution without adding extra cost. Using foil reflectors can help reduce energy consumption by dispersing heat back into the room rather than losing it through external walls.
Finally, keeping your boiler serviced is essential to maintaining its efficiency and lifespan. A standard boiler service costs between £70 and £110 and can catch minor problems before they become major issues. If you live in rented housing, it's your landlord's responsibility to ensure that the boiler is serviced annually by a Gas Safe or Oftec-certified engineer.
By making these small tweaks to your heating system, you can significantly reduce your energy bills while staying warm and comfortable in your home.
I just got my hands on this Bosch Room Thermostat II (£69.99) and it's literally changed the game! Not only can you control the temperature remotely, but also multi-room control is a total lifesaver on busy days 
. And honestly, £90 in savings per year? That's like, so worth it for me!!! 
I've been meaning to get my boiler serviced for ages, now I know it's a good idea to do it every year! (£70-£110 is like, super affordable, right?) and using reflectors behind radiators seems like such a genius way to improve heat distribution without breaking the bank 
. TRVs are also on my list, anyone else tried those? 
. And what's up with the "geofencing" thing? Does it really make that much of a difference in terms of energy savings? 
... gotta say, it's pretty obvious but a lot of people just don't bother to turn down the thermostat when they leave the house 
. £90 a year is no joke tho 
. what really gets me is that some landlords don't care about servicing the boiler in rented housing 
plus, using thermostatic radiator valves and reflectors behind radiators can make a HUGE difference too!!! 
The thing that's bugged me is that if you're elderly or have health conditions, it can be tough to adjust the temperature. Like, what if you just want a bit of warmth on a chilly day? 
. But let's be real, if you're elderly or have health issues, it's all about finding that sweet spot between warmth and not freezing to death 
.
And turning down the temperature by just 1 degree can save up to £90 a year in the UK, that's like, cash 
. But yeah, its all about being mindful of how we use energy and taking small steps to make a big impact 
.
! It's all about finding those little tweaks that make a big difference. I've already got my eye on the Hive Thermostat V4 – £155 might be a splurge, but it's worth it for all the bells and whistles 
.
. I mean, £60 to £250 for smart thermostats? That's a pretty wide price range 
. I think using smart thermostats is a total game-changer 
. And those prices aren't too shabby either, £69.99 and £155 may seem steep but trust me, it's worth it for all the energy-saving goodness 
.
. And geofencing? Mind blown 
. Reducing your thermostat by just 1 degree can save up to £90 a year... that's some serious cash back 
. Not only do they help reduce energy consumption, but they also make your home feel all warm and snug 
. And a good boiler service? Don't even think about skipping that 
. But what really gets me is how expensive some of these smart thermostats are... £250?! That's like, half my monthly rent for one thermostat 
. Anyway, I think it's awesome that Sarah Pennells is promoting the idea of small changes making a big impact 
£90 a year is not that hard to save, especially if you live alone like most of us do. And yeah sure we get it, you might feel cold but turning down the temp by 1 degree can actually make a big difference in energy consumption. I mean, have you seen those Bosch thermostats they're like £70? Worth every penny! 
Lowering the flow temperature can save you so much money, it's crazy. I swear if people just took care of their own heating systems we wouldn't have so many complaints about energy bills. And another thing, why do older folks get a free pass on lowering the temp? Just saying, 21C is not that cold, especially with all the insulation we have now 
and it's been a game changer! I mean, being able to control my heating remotely is so cool... literally 
. Plus, it's pretty affordable at £155. The energy savings are also pretty impressive - I've already saved £30 on my bills since setting it up! 
. And at £155, it's worth every penny for the peace of mind and energy savings alone.