With energy prices remaining high, heating efficiently matters more than ever. Here are changes that actually make a measurable difference.
1. Lower your thermostat by 1°C
Each degree reduction saves approximately 8% on heating costs. If you currently heat to 21°C, dropping to 20°C saves around £88/year on a typical £1,100 gas bill. Most people find they don't notice the difference.
2. Don't leave heating on all day
The "it costs more to reheat a cold house" myth is false. Maintaining a constant temperature all day wastes more energy than heating to target temperature twice a day. Use your programmer properly — set it to heat only when you need it.
3. Use TRVs correctly
Turn down thermostatic radiator valves in unoccupied rooms — not off, just lower. Bedrooms, spare rooms, and hallways can be maintained at 15°C rather than 20°C, saving energy in those zones without causing condensation.
4. Get a smart thermostat
Geofencing alone — heating turning off when you leave and on when you return — saves an average of £75–£150/year. The payback on a £189 Nest is typically under 18 months.
5. Service your boiler
An unserviced boiler can be 5–10% less efficient than a well-maintained one. Annual service pays for itself in efficiency gains.
6. Check your insulation
Loft insulation (270mm) reduces heating demand by up to 20%. Cavity wall insulation by a further 15%. These are the highest-return energy efficiency investments available.