Heating Questions Answered

We have minus temperatures outside at the minute, and everyone’s heating’s going to be on. With rising energy costs more and more people are concerned about the cost of heating their homes. We often get asked questions about the most efficient way to heat a home and to save money on heating, here are some common questions and answers.

Will leaving my heating on low all day save me money?

There is a common misconception that leaving your heating on a low setting will save you money. Some people prefer to set their heating this way and are happy with the heat output this is ok for homeowner’s who are in all day, but for those at work, there’s little point in heating an empty home. As a general rule of thumb just have the heating on when you’re in and have it switched off when you’re out this is the most cost efficient method when it comes to heating.

What temperature should my thermostat be?

The ideal thermostat temperature is between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius: 18 degrees for your kitchen and bathroom and 21 degrees for your living room and bedroom. The easiest way to achieve this is to set your thermostat at 21 degrees and optimise the temperature of each room with thermostatic radiator valves; consider fitting a smart thermostat if you want the most efficient and modern method.

Can I turn the thermostat up to heat a room quicker?

You can turn your thermostat up, but it won’t heat your house any quicker it’s not recommended nor is it efficient. Turning your thermostat up to 30 C will heat your home until it reaches 30 C which is far too hot, uncomfortable and will waste energy (and money) in the process. You’ll just end up turning the heating off. Setting your thermostat to 18-21 C will heat your home just as quickly as setting it to 30 C.

Will the thermostat needs to be higher when it’s snowing?

Some homeowners turn their thermostats higher when it’s snowing sometimes between 25-30 C. A thermostat regulates the temperature keeping your home at your preferred level (usually between 18-21 C) when the temperature drops below this level the thermostat will switch your heating back on. Your preset level should be enough even when it’s snowing so no need to turn the temperature up.

Is it cheaper to leave my water heater on all day?

No, unless you need hot water all day, which rules out most homeowners.  A water heater will heat water quickly, and a well-insulated water tank will keep the water hot for a few hours. For the best possible cost-effectiveness set your hot water, so it comes on for an hour or so before you need it (in the morning and evening for example) and switches off when you have enough hot water.

How can I get the most out of my radiators?

Ensure thermostatic radiator valves are fitted so you can properly regulate the temperature of each room. You can also consider a radiator booster and radiator foil. A booster will pull heat from behind the radiator and distribute it around the room. Fitting foil will reduce the amount of heat lost at the back of the radiator. Radiator shelves can also help with heat efficiency.