Heating bills expensive? Try these useful tips

Turning down the heating in rooms, even by one degree, can save you money Credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Nearly half of people in the West Midlands think it is cheaper to keep their heating on rather than turning it off or down.

A survey by the Energy Saving Trust says that more than £700 million could be saved if people followed their recommendations.

But is it cheaper to keep your heating on? Are your heating bills soaring?

Here is some interesting facts and figures to help you save money on your heating bills:

1.) Update your heating controls

  • Make sure your heating controls are in date - out-of-date controls waste energy and money

  • Modern controls are a lot more accurate

  • Controls should be replaced if they are over 12 years old

2.) Get the most from your thermostat

  • Turning down the heating in rooms, even by one degree, can save you money

  • Set your thermostat to a low temperature (around 18 degrees), and turn it up by one degree at a time, if necessary

  • Temperatures are advised to not drop below 16 degrees

  • Do not cover thermostats as this will give an inaccurate reading

3.) Zone your heating

  • Having thermostats for different rooms allows you to zone temperatures in different areas of your house, depending on where you spend the most time

  • Set temperatures according to the amount of time you spend in certain rooms - this will save you energy and money

4.) Time or programme your heating

  • Time your heating to when you need it on or off the most

  • Some programmers allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day so you do not waste heat

5.) Set your thermostatic radiator valves low

  • Thermostatic radiator valves should be set to low, and then gradually turned up if needed

  • Turning your thermostatic radiator valves to a higher setting will not heat your room up any faster - that depends on the boiler and radiator size

6.) Improve your heating habits

  • Make the most of natural sunlight and warmth

  • Let fresh air into your home to keep it fresh

  • Turn the radiator down in rooms that are not used frequently

  • Close doors to keep the heat in

  • Add layers to your body

7.) Low cost heating changes to your home

  • Buy draught-proof doors

  • Seal draughty gaps

  • Insulate your hot water cylinder

  • Insulate the loft hatch

For more information, visit the Energy Saving Trust & Which? websites.