Octopus Energy Reveals Ideal Thermostat Settings for Savings

As winter approaches, Octopus Energy has weighed in on the debate surrounding the optimal thermostat temperature for heating homes efficiently. With the cost of heating now approximately £600 more annually than in 2022, homeowners are eager to find ways to cut their energy bills. Current forecasts predict temperatures dropping to 0°C in some areas by the end of next week, prompting many to reconsider their heating strategies.

Experts agree that setting the thermostat correctly can lead to substantial savings. Nick Duggan, managing director at The Radiator Centre, advises that the ideal room temperature ranges from 18°C to 21°C. He cautions that for every additional degree above this range, heating costs can increase by approximately 10%.

Recommendations from Industry Experts

A representative from Octopus Energy highlighted the importance of proper thermostat use. They noted, “Using it like an on/off switch or ‘boost’ button can actually waste energy, as the system works harder to reheat the space.” Instead, they recommend maintaining a steady temperature between 18°C and 21°C. By simply lowering the thermostat by one degree, households could save up to £145 annually.

Fiona Peake, a domestic finance expert at Ocean Finance, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Many Brits are cranking the thermostat up high to ‘heat the home faster.’ In reality, your boiler works at the same pace no matter the setting.” She advises homeowners to set their thermostats at a comfortable level and allow the system to run steadily.

Similarly, Gav Murray, Director of Heating at Hive, recommends a thermostat setting of 18°C. He notes that for an average household, reducing the temperature by just one degree could save around £115 a year, particularly advantageous during the milder spring months.

Adam Knight, Lead Engineer at BOXT, emphasizes a simple approach, suggesting that homeowners set their thermostats to a realistic target of around 18°C to 20°C. He recommends a slight adjustment for nighttime, typically around 16°C to 17°C, rather than turning the system off completely.

Potential Savings and Energy Efficiency

Ricky Sharma from Engineering Real Results (ERR) points out that most homes are comfortable at temperatures between 18°C and 21°C. He advises that lowering the thermostat by one degree could lead to a 10% reduction in heating costs, translating to an average saving of £120 annually, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

Furthermore, Matthew Sheeran from Money Wellness reinforces the message that adjusting the thermostat down by one degree can lead to significant savings. He also suggests using timers to heat homes only when necessary to avoid wasting energy.

As the colder months approach, these expert insights could help many households manage their heating costs more effectively and enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient winter.