Heating and home advice
Simple ways to use less energy.
Without making home uncomfortable.
The best changes depend on your home and how you use it. Start with the controls and maintenance you already have, then look at where heat is escaping before considering larger work.
Use your heating controls well
A timer or programmer helps match heating to your routine. A room thermostat manages the overall temperature, while thermostatic radiator valves can keep less-used rooms cooler.
Turning a thermostat much higher does not warm the home faster. Aim for the lowest setting that remains comfortable for the people in your household.
- Check that the programmer clock and heating periods match your routine.
- Keep room thermostats clear of curtains, furniture and nearby heat sources.
- Adjust radiator valves room by room rather than heating every space equally.
- Use the manufacturer’s instructions for smart or unfamiliar controls.
Keep useful heat inside
Draught proofing, suitable loft insulation and well-managed curtains can reduce avoidable heat loss. Pipe insulation and an appropriate hot-water-cylinder jacket may also help where they are suitable for the installation.
- Do not cover boiler ventilation openings, flues or safety devices.
- Keep furniture and heavy curtains from blocking radiators.
- Ask a suitable installer for advice before altering insulation around electrical equipment, tanks or pipework.
Look after heating and hot water
A service is primarily a safety and condition check. It can also identify controls or system problems that make the heating harder to use effectively.
Fix dripping hot taps and report unexplained pressure loss, cold radiators or unusual boiler behaviour rather than repeatedly working around the symptom.
Treat savings figures with care
Old energy-saving pages often quote a single cash saving. Real results vary with energy prices, the building, the existing system and household habits, so current independent guidance is a better starting point than a historic promise.
