The exact temperature to set your thermostat to save on energy bills and stay warm | The Sun
EVERYONE knows cutting down your energy use can save you money on your bills.
But you don't have to sit in the dark or cold as simple tricks can help you make big savings worth hundreds of pounds a year.
For example, one easy thing to do is change the setting on your thermostat.
And energy experts have revealed the exact temperature to set it at so that you can save cash and keep warm throughout the winter.
The average households' bills have risen to £2,500 a year from £1,971 after the energy price guarantee came into effect.
That impacts millions on dual fuel energy tariffs, although the exact amount you pay will depend on your usage.
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If you're a large family that uses a lot of energy, you're likely to go over £2,500 a year.
Millions will get help through the £400 energy rebate though, but it will only partly cover the cost of rising bills.
So reducing your gas and electric use is one way to cut down your bill.
When it comes to your thermostat, Energy Saving Trust recommends you should set it to the "lowest comfortable temperature".
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For most of us this is between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius.
It's just the right balance between keeping your home warm, and keeping those energy bills as low as possible.
So that means if you have your thermostat set at a higher temperature you can most likely afford to turn it down and still keep cosy and warm.
Of course, there may be exceptions for anyone who is in ill health, and there is help to cover extra costs.
In fact turning down the temp by just a single degree could save you as much as £100 a year on your bill.
If you cut it by more you will obviously make even bigger savings.
Experts at Uswitch found that the temperature inside a fifth of UK homes is hotter than Lanzarote over winter, and more than a million properties are heated to 25°C or more – hotter than Sydney, Australia.
If you're at the higher end of the perfect 18-21 degree temperature scale, then you could still try reducing it by a degree or even two to find savings.
With the weather getting a little warmer as we head into spring, you might not even notice.
Energy Saving trust also say that you don’t need to turn your thermostat up when it is colder outside, the house will still heat up to the set temperature.
"It may take a little longer on colder days, so you might want to set your heating to come on earlier in the winter," it said.
If you're still on full winter heating mode it might be time to review your settings.
Experts at Utilita have also revealed the exact date you need to turn your heating on as winter approaches.
They said most people start switching their heating on when the temperature drops to 12.5 degrees.
This is usually around October 24 or 25.
Here's more top tips for reducing your energy bill, plus extra help you can get if you're struggling with bills.
Top tips for saving hundreds on your energy bill
A properly insulated home can help reduce energy bills by stopping excess heat from escaping.
There's also help from the Household Support Fund – which has been extended with a £421million boost.
What you'll get through the fund depends on where you live, but some households are set to get £100 free cash for food, energy bills and essentials this winter.
Draught excluders can save you around £30 a year the Energy Saving Trust has previously said.
We've spotted them on sale at Amazon for £7.99 before, but of course you should always shop around for better offers.
And you don't even have to buy one – you can make them for free by filling a large piece of fabric with old clothes or rice.
Switching off so-called "vampire devices", that drain energy when left on standby or used inefficiently, could save you on your bills as well.
Here's 30 ways to cut your energy bill now.
Energy bill help: what you can get and how to apply
If you're looking for help with your bills in other ways – there are a number of options available to you.
The £400 energy rebate is being paid out to millions of households this winter.
The payment is being split into six instalments – £66 will be paid this month and in November and £67 will be paid from December through to March next year.
How you'll receive the £400 will depend on how you pay for your bills.
For more information, you can read our guide.
As well as this, millions of pensioners who usually get the Winter Fuel Allowance will receive £300 on top from November.
Some households are set to get a £150 Warm Home Discount between December and March 2023 as well.
Plus, you might also be able to get an energy grant from your supplier.
British Gas is offering one, as well as Bulb Energy, EDF, E.on, Octopus Energy, Ovo Energy and Scottish Power.
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If you're worried about falling behind on bills, there are plenty of organisations where you can get advice for free, including:
- National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
- Step Change – 0800 138 1111
- Citizens Advice – 0808 800 9060
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