Get ready for the clocks changing

Adjust your controls and thermostats

Heating controls help keep your home comfortably warm without overheating and wasting energy. They allow you to choose when your heating comes on and, by using the radiator valves, you can control the temperature in each room too. 

By using the controls properly, you could save money, so it’s worth considering when you need the heating to be on. You can time the heating to switch off around half an hour before you leave the house and go to bed – it will still be nice and warm, and you won’t waste energy. If you’ve already been doing this, remember to set the timers back by an hour. 

The time difference also means it’ll get dark earlier; so closing your curtains and blinds when it gets dark will help to keep the heat in which will also help keep you warm.

Turning your thermostat down is another way you can save energy. A common misconception is that turning the thermostat up will heat up your home quicker, but this will only heat your home to a higher temperature at the same rate. Turning down your thermostat from 22°C to 21°C could save you £90 and 300kg of CO2 over a year*. We recommend setting your thermostat between 18°C and 21°C.

Read our guide on thermostat and heating controls to find out how to use heating controls effectively, save money on your heating bills and lower your carbon emissions.

Take our quiz

You can get more useful energy saving tips by taking part in our energy saving quiz - and you could win your own pick of energy saving items, worth up to £750. Choose from air fryers, fitness watches, energy-saving appliances and more - the choice is yours! We have ten prizes up for grabs and you could be one of the lucky winners.

Here to help

Prepare for the cold months ahead now. Find out how to make your home warmer and save money this winter.

If you're worried about your energy bills and would like further advice on how to reduce them, there are lots of ways to contact us. Chat to one of our friendly advisors for some free and impartial advice. 

*Based on a typical three bedroom semi-detached gas heated home, using an average gas price of 6p/kWh and an average electricity price of 25p/kWh. Correct as of October 2024.