Customers of British Gas, OVO, Octopus, and Eon could unlock surprising savings on their energy bills this winter. A small adjustment at home might lead to significant cost reductions. Want to know how to make the most of this opportunity?
British Gas, OVO, Octopus, and EON Customers Can Save £100 with One Thermostat Change
By Chourouk Derkaoui
Published on 19 November 2024 12:54
British Gas, Ovo, Octopus, EDF and Eon customers are being offered practical advice on how to cut their energy bills this winter, as energy prices continue to cause concern. By changing your thermostat and doing a bit of work, you can save a lot of money.
Reducing Energy Costs With Temperature Adjustments
University College London believes that a smarter thermostat setting can save you a lot of money. Researchers and scientists analyzed statistics from a study of 13,000 households, which found that lowering temperatures from 22°C to 18°C could save households around £130 a year. If the temperature drops by one degree, this will translate into a saving of around £1.10 in gas consumption and 40 pence in energy for each square meter of living space.
Even lowering the thermostat by just one degree can have a significant effect when it's cold and heating bills are rising. But experts say turning down the thermostat can help households keep their budgets on track.
Savings Breakdown by Thermostat Adjustment
| Temperature (°C) | Annual Savings (Gas) | Annual Savings (Electricity) |
|---|---|---|
| 22 °C | Baseline | Baseline |
| 21 °C | £1.10/m² | £0.40/m² |
| 20 °C | £2.20/m² | £0.80/m² |
| 18 °C | £4.40/m² | £1.60/m² |
Lowering the temperature by 4 °C from 22 °C to 18 °C could save £130 per year for an average household.
Dispelling Myths About Thermostat Use
Most people assume that by turning up the thermostat, the room will heat up faster. However, experts explain that boilers maintain the temperature rather than speeding up heating. This means that if the room is too hot, energy is wasted. In fact, the most intelligent way of achieving the desired indoor temperatures is to set temperature targets within the limits of the heating system's capacity.
By understanding these mechanics, customers can maximize their heating systems’ potential without incurring additional expenses.
Additional Ways to Keep Your Home Warm
Beyond thermostat adjustments, energy experts suggest practical measures to reduce heating costs:
- Insulating rooms: Use draft excluders, heavy curtains, or door sweeps to prevent heat loss.
- Sealing draughts: Address leaks around windows and doors with sealant or weatherstripping.
- Optimizing boiler use: Set your boiler to operate within its most efficient temperature range (e.g., 60 °C for water heating).
Andy Ellis from Posh.co.uk emphasizes the importance of these steps, noting that they allow families to maintain warm and comfortable homes without significantly higher heating bills.
Quick Energy-Saving Checklist
- Set thermostat between 18 °C and 20 °C for optimal savings.
- Install radiator reflectors to maximize heating efficiency.
- Use smart meters to monitor energy consumption in real-time.
- Ensure annual boiler servicing to maintain efficiency.
How Customers Save on Energy This Winter with British Gas, Ovo, Octopus, EDF, and Eon
As winter approaches, now is the ideal time to implement these energy-saving strategies. Whether it’s tweaking the thermostat, sealing draughts, or enhancing insulation, small changes can lead to significant savings.
Customers of major providers like British Gas, Ovo, Octopus, EDF, and Eon can take control of their energy use and enjoy a more affordable winter. Stay warm, stay smart, and keep an eye on your thermostat—it might just save you a small fortune this season.