The winter season brings colder temperatures and longer nights, which often lead to higher energy consumption as households spend more time indoors with heating systems running. Fortunately, simple adjustments can help reduce costs while maintaining a comfortable home environment.
The One-Degree Rule for Energy Savings
Energy providers recommend following a straightforward ‘one-degree rule’ by lowering the thermostat by just 1°C. This small change can deliver annual savings of around £90 for the average household, without significantly impacting indoor warmth.
Instead of frequently adjusting the thermostat based on momentary discomfort, experts suggest setting it to a consistent temperature. This approach prevents unnecessary energy waste and simplifies efforts to manage heating expenses.
Recommended Thermostat Settings
Health authorities advise maintaining an indoor temperature of at least 18°C during winter to safeguard well-being and prevent cold-related issues. Older adults may require a slightly higher setting for added comfort. Even if thermostats are typically set around 22°C, dropping to 21°C can yield substantial benefits.
Phil Gilbert, Director of Net Zero Delivery at E.ON Next, stated: “Set your thermostat at the lowest temperature that still feels comfortable, ideally somewhere between 18 and 21°C. Turning your thermostat down by just one degree could save you 5% on your energy bills each year, which is approximately £90 on average for a typical home when going from 22 to 21°C.”
Additional Tips to Optimize Heating
To further control costs, use a timer or programmer to schedule heating activation and deactivation. Program the system to start about 30 minutes before waking and stop 30 minutes before bedtime, ensuring heat only runs when needed.
Monitoring energy use with a smart meter provides real-time insights into consumption patterns, empowering households to adjust habits effectively and receive precise billing information.
Gilbert added: “During the darker, colder months, energy use tends to increase, which can add extra financial pressure, but even small changes around the home can make a big difference. We want to help customers stay in control of their energy use to lower costs and ease some of those worries.”
