Heating and Hot Water Controls
Heating and hot water accounts for over half of what you spend on your energy bills, so understanding how to use your heating controls effectively can make a significant difference to both your comfort and your wallet.[1][2]
Key Savings: Installing a programmer, thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves can save £110 a year in Great Britain and £120 in Northern Ireland on your energy bills.[3]
What Are Heating Controls?
Heating controls help you control when your heating system operates and the temperature in each room. They can range from traditional, manual controls to internet-connected apps on your phone that learn your habits and adjust settings automatically.[4]
Despite their importance, research shows that few people really understand their controls, and many simply don't use them effectively. This guide will help you take control of your heating and hot water to keep warm while saving money.
Essential Heating Controls You Should Have
Room Thermostat
A room thermostat measures the air temperature in your home and switches the heating on or off to maintain your desired temperature.
How to use it effectively:
Set it to the lowest comfortable temperature (typically between 18-21°C)
Each degree you turn down can save around 10% on your heating bills
Place it in a room you use regularly, away from heat sources and draughts
Don't turn it up when you want the house to warm up faster - it won't speed things up, it will just make the heating stay on longer
Programmer or Timer
A programmer allows you to set specific times when your heating switches on and off throughout the day.
How to use it effectively:
Programme your heating to come on only when you need it
Set it to come on 30 minutes before you wake up or arrive home
Turn it off 30 minutes before you leave or go to bed (your home will retain heat)
Use different schedules for weekdays and weekends to match your routine
Review your schedule seasonally as your routine changes
Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)
TRVs are fitted to individual radiators and allow you to control the temperature in different rooms independently.
How to use them effectively:
Set lower temperatures in rooms you use less (like spare bedrooms or hallways)
Set higher temperatures in rooms where you spend most time (like living room)
Don't set TRVs to maximum thinking the room will heat faster - they work like an on/off switch when the target temperature is reached
Leave TRVs in occupied rooms fully open initially, then adjust down if too warm
Never block radiators with furniture or curtains - this wastes energy
Important: Don't put a TRV in the same room as your wall thermostat, as they can confuse each other. If you have a TRV in that room, keep it on maximum or remove it.
Hot Water Cylinder Thermostat
If you have a hot water cylinder, the thermostat controls how hot your stored water gets.
How to use it effectively:
Set it to 60-65°C to prevent legionella bacteria while avoiding wasting energy
Don't set it higher thinking you'll get hot water faster
If you find you're always mixing in cold water, your cylinder thermostat may be set too high
Practical Money-Saving Strategies
Zone Your Heating
One of the most effective ways to save money is to heat only the rooms you're using:
Use TRVs to reduce temperatures in unused rooms
Close doors to keep heat in rooms you're using
Turn down or off radiators in rooms you rarely use
Consider heating upstairs and downstairs separately if your system allows
Optimise Your Heating Schedule
Morning routine:
Programme heating to come on 30 minutes before you wake up
Set it to turn off before you leave for work
If someone stays home, keep heating on but at a lower temperature
Evening routine:
Programme heating to come on before you arrive home
Maintain a comfortable temperature during the evening
Turn heating off 30-60 minutes before bed
Consider your hot water needs:
Heat hot water twice a day (morning and evening) rather than leaving it on constantly
If you have a cylinder, heat it only when needed rather than keeping it hot all day
In summer, you may only need hot water once a day
Avoid Common Heating Mistakes
Myth: Leaving heating on low all day is cheaper than heating morning and evening
Reality: It's more efficient to heat your home only when needed. Heating on demand uses less energy overall.[5]
Myth: Turning the thermostat up high heats the home faster
Reality: Your heating system works at the same rate regardless of thermostat setting. Setting it higher just means it stays on longer and uses more energy.
Myth: Turning off radiators in unused rooms makes no difference
Reality: Closing TRVs in unused rooms can genuinely reduce energy consumption by directing heat only where needed.
Using Your Boiler System Efficiently
Boiler Controls
Modern boilers have additional controls that can help you save energy:
Flow temperature:
This controls how hot the water is that flows through your radiators
Lowering your boiler flow temperature to around 60°C can improve efficiency
Your radiators will still heat your home, they'll just take slightly longer
This can significantly reduce energy consumption
Hot water priority:
Many boilers heat either radiators or hot water, but not both simultaneously
Understanding this helps you programme heating and hot water times more effectively
Smart Controls and Thermostats
Upgrading to smart controls can provide additional benefits:
Control heating remotely via smartphone apps
Learning thermostats that adapt to your routine automatically
Zone control allowing different temperatures in different areas
Weather compensation that adjusts heating based on outside temperature
Usage reports showing energy consumption patterns
Tip: Even without smart controls, reviewing and updating your programmer settings every few months can ensure your heating schedule matches your actual routine.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Controls for Maximum Efficiency
Week 1: Baseline Assessment
Check what controls you currently have (thermostat, programmer, TRVs)
Note your current thermostat setting
Review your current heating schedule
Identify which rooms you use regularly and which you don't
Week 2: Optimise Your Thermostat
Reduce your main thermostat by 1°C
Monitor comfort levels over a few days
Adjust as needed, aiming for the lowest comfortable temperature
Check thermostat placement - ensure it's not near heat sources or draughts
Week 3: Programme Your Schedule
Set heating to come on 30 minutes before you need it
Set it to turn off 30 minutes before you leave or go to bed
Create different schedules for weekdays and weekends
Do the same for hot water if you have a cylinder
Week 4: Zone Your Heating with TRVs
Turn down TRVs in rarely used rooms (bedrooms during day, hallways)
Keep TRVs at comfortable levels in main living spaces
Experiment with settings to find the right balance
Remember to adjust seasonally
Quick Wins for Immediate Savings
✅ Turn your thermostat down by 1°C
✅ Set your heating to turn off 30 minutes before you leave the house
✅ Close TRVs in unused rooms
✅ Programme hot water to heat twice daily instead of constantly
✅ Ensure your hot water cylinder thermostat is at 60-65°C, not higher
✅ Close curtains at dusk to retain heat
✅ Bleed radiators if they're not heating evenly
Staying Warm Without Turning Up the Heat
Remember, you can also stay warm by:
Wearing layers indoors
Using draught excluders on doors and windows
Ensuring curtains are closed in the evening
Using throws and blankets when sitting still
Drinking warm beverages
Keeping active during the day
When to Consider Upgrading
If your current controls are limited, upgrading could save significant money:
Upgrading from a G-rated boiler to an A-rated boiler with full heating controls will save you £420 in Great Britain and £500 in Northern Ireland[6]
Adding a programmer, thermostat and TRVs to a system without them can save £110-£120 annually[7]
Smart controls can provide additional convenience and potential savings
Remember: Check any instruction manuals or user guides specific to your heating system. While these principles apply broadly, your specific system may have unique features or requirements.
The key to saving money on heating is using your controls actively and intelligently. Review your settings regularly, adjust them as seasons change, and always aim to heat only what you need, when you need it.
