A boiler expert has shared the “correct” temperature to set your thermostat to this winter to ensure your home heats up faster.
Beating the cold is quite the challenge as winter gets well underway and with many people struggling with skyrocketing energy bills, when to turn the heating on – and at what temperature – can be a concern.
There are many theories, tips and hacks to help people ensure they feel warm and cosy at home, with countless ideas shared on social media. One woman recommended a tip shared by MoneySavingExpert founder, Martin Lewis.
The money saving guru advised people to place reflective panels behind radiators which are affixed to external walls so the heat doesn’t escape to outside your home and is instead bounced back in. TikTok user Michelle Haslam gave it a go and urged others to follow suit.
She also said this had allowed her to turn her thermostat down, with just a one degree reduction leading to a potential energy bill saving of £145 per year.
Of the reflective panels, she shared: “I’ve turned my thermostat right down since using them though. So something is working.”
This line of thinking is echoed by boiler expert Gordon Wallis from Your NRG, who recently revealed how a string of common yet simple mistakes made during the winter months could cost homeowners hundreds of pounds in repairs and energy bills.
Gordon said: “People often forget about their boilers until something goes wrong. Carrying out small checks and following simple routines can make a big difference to performance, efficiency and long-term reliability.”
One tip the expert said many people are guilty of is setting their thermostat to high, which doesn’t actually heat the home any faster – and can prove to be more costly.
So what temperature should you set your thermostat to?
He advised against cranking up the thermostat when it starts to feel chillier, instead recommending a set temperature to provide more efficient heating.
Gordon said: “Setting the temperature too high does not heat your home any faster. It just makes the system use more energy.
“Keeping it between 18 and 21 degrees is usually the most efficient balance.”
In addition to sticking with a specific temperature, Gordon also encourages people not to skip their annual boiler servicing.
He explained: “An annual service ensures your boiler is running safely and efficiently. It also helps to identify small faults before they become serious problems.
“Skipping a service can lead to unexpected breakdowns and higher energy costs.”
The pro then warned against turning the heating off completely, despite people’s fears over the mounting cost of energy bills.
Gordon continued: “If you leave your system off for long periods, the pipes can freeze or the components can seize up.
“Running your heating for short intervals, even at a low temperature, helps keep everything working properly.”
The expert also encouraged households to prepare early rather than waiting for problems to arise in the middle of winter.
He added: “The busiest time for boiler engineers is when the cold snap hits. A few minutes of maintenance now can prevent days without heating and expensive repair bills later.”
