The exact temperature to set your thermostat so that it stays warm and keeps costs low
Setting your thermostat correctly during the winter can save you money in the long run, but most of us set the thermostat too high.
When the temperature drops, the first thing we do is run straight to our thermostat.
But since the energy bill for an average home is $1,928 per year, you'll want to do everything you can to reduce costs.
Uswitch previously found that temperatures in a fifth of British homes are hotter than Lanzarote in winter, and more than a million homes are heated to 25°C or more – hotter than Sydney.
It's estimated that every degree you increase your thermostat temperature increases your heating costs by about 10%, so it can make a big difference.
However, it is important to find the right balance.
If you set it too low, there is a risk that your home will become damp and this will have a negative effect on your health.
The Energy Saving Trust recommends setting your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature, which is usually between 18°C and 21°C.
The World Health Organization suggests that most healthy people should heat their homes to 18°C.”
Of course, there are exceptions, and people in poor health may get more relief at higher temperatures.
But there is still enough support available to cover the additional costs.
The Energy Saving Trust also says you don't need to turn up your thermostat when it's colder outside.
On colder days it may take a little longer, so it may be wise to turn on the heating earlier in winter.
How else can I save on my heating costs?
If you lower the flow temperature of your boiler and the thermostatic radiator valves in some rooms, you can save approximately € 180 on your energy bill every year.
According to Nesta, adding loft insulation and switching to a smart meter could save a household a further £230 a year.
It is also important to ensure that there are no drafts when the boiler is running.
Ventilation is good for health and air quality, but it is the first place where heat can escape.
If there is a draft, get some weatherstripping and seal the hole.
Also make sure your windows are closed before the sun sets.
Consider which rooms in your house need heating.
You won't be using them all 24/7, so make sure radiators are turned off in unoccupied rooms.
What do the numbers on my radiator mean?
THERMOSTATIC radiator valves (TRVs) work by controlling the flow of hot water into a radiator.
These energy-saving gadgets work by sensing the temperature of a room and then controlling how much hot water is let into the radiator.
TRVs have numbers printed on them that roughly correspond to the room temperature shown above.
So if the room is colder than the number it is placed at, the TRV will detect this and release more hot water into the radiator to warm the room quickly.
As the room heats up, the TRV limits the amount of hot water entering the radiator to maintain the temperature of the room.
And when the room temperature starts to drop, the TRV senses the temperature and will let in more hot water again, repeating the process.
According to British Gas, the average household can save up to £75 every year if they fit thermostatic radiator valves to all their radiators.
Experts recommended that households should set their TRV to 2 or 3 in the average room.
If you do not need to heat a room, set your TRV radiator to the lowest setting.
This protects the devices against frost and allows hot water to pass through for a short time, but only when the temperature drops below 7°C.
What other help is available?
From cold weather payments to energy bill subsidies worth up to £1,500 to help pay off customer debt – here are several ways you can get help with your energy bills.
A number of energy companies are offering subsidies to customers who are struggling to pay their bills.
But what you are entitled to depends on who your provider is.
British Gas is offering grants worth up to £1,500, while households with Scottish Power can get up to £750.
Meanwhile, those with Octopus Energy can claim up to £500 through the company's Octo Assist Fund.
Ask your supplier what the offer is and how you can register.
Local councils are providing free money to families struggling with bills and other essential costs through the Household Support Fund.
How much you can get depends on where you live.
Municipalities also offer social assistance schemes throughout the year that can help you with the bills.
Millions of households on benefits, including Universal Credit, will also receive a £299 living expenses payment directly into their bank account between now and February 22.
Those who qualify for the tax-free payment do not need to do anything as the payments are made automatically.
Other households can get a £150 discount on their electricity bills for winter 2023 to 2024 through the Warm Home Discount scheme.
The money is not paid to you, but is a one-off discount applied to your electricity bill between October and March every year.
Cold weather payouts are also paid when the temperature is measured or predicted to average zero degrees or lower for seven consecutive days.