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Mon, November 17, 2025
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Lower Your Thermostat by 1-2 ?C for Immediate Heating Savings
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Published in House and Home on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 4:39 GMT by The Mirror- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
How to Slash Your Heating Bills by 15 % (or More) – A Mirror Article in a Nutshell
The UK is no stranger to rising heating costs. With fuel‑price spikes, a cooling‑down of the industrial sector, and a growing push toward greener energy, household budgets are feeling the pinch. The Daily Mirror recently ran a practical guide—“How to save 15 % on heating bills” (https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/household-bills/how-save-15-heating-bills-36258059)—that breaks down concrete, science‑backed steps homeowners can take to lower their monthly heating spend. Below, we distill the article’s core advice, weave in useful external links that the piece references, and add a little extra context that can help you decide which tips are worth implementing in your own home.
1. Dial Down the Temperature – But Strategically
The headline recommendation? Lower your thermostat by just 1–2 °C during the coldest months. That may sound modest, but the Energy Saving Trust (https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/) confirms that each degree you reduce the heating set‑point can save you roughly £25 a year. The Mirror article notes that many families keep their heating at 21–22 °C even when no one is home, and that a simple “night‑time” or “away” setting can cut energy use dramatically without sacrificing comfort.
A side‑note in the article links to a BBC feature that explains how heat loss works—essentially that every 1 °C drop in your home’s internal temperature allows heat to seep out through walls, windows, and roofs at a faster rate. Armed with that knowledge, you can choose the best moment to turn down the thermostat: during the day when you’re away, or at night when you’re sleeping. Programmable or smart thermostats (linking to the Energy Saving Trust’s “How to choose a smart thermostat” guide) let you automate this for the ultimate “set‑it‑and‑forget‑it” effect.
2. Upgrade or Fine‑Tune Your Boiler
The Mirror article stresses that many households still use older, inefficient condensing boilers or, worse, non‑condensing models that waste a significant amount of fuel. Upgrading to a modern condensing boiler can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 30 % and reduce your fuel bill by up to 20 % (source: Energy Saving Trust). If a full replacement is out of reach, simply cleaning the existing boiler, checking the pressure, and ensuring the flue is free of obstructions can give a small but tangible bump in efficiency.
The article also mentions the UK government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) (https://www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation) – a scheme that forces energy suppliers to help households install heating upgrades, such as insulation or efficient boilers, especially if you’re on a low income. If you qualify, you could receive free or heavily discounted upgrades that instantly lower your bill.
3. Insulate Your Home Like a Pro
The Mirror’s guide lists insulation upgrades as the single most effective way to reduce heat loss, noting that a double‑layer of loft insulation can save an average household around £140 a year. The article walks readers through how to check whether your loft, walls, and under‑floor are properly insulated, and how to identify “cold spots” with a thermal camera. The Energy Saving Trust recommends using closed‑cell foam or mineral wool, as these materials have higher R‑values (the measure of thermal resistance) and are resistant to moisture build‑up.
A quick tip: the article suggests using the Green Homes Grant (though the scheme was officially closed in 2021, the government still offers some subsidies for specific projects) for funding insulation work. The Energy Saving Trust’s “Insulation guide” (https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/insulation/) gives step‑by‑step instructions on how to apply for local authority grants or low‑interest loans that can offset the cost of installing new insulation.
4. Seal Gaps, Drafts, and Unwanted Air
Drafty windows and poorly sealed doors can account for up to 10 % of a house’s heating loss. The Mirror article urges homeowners to inspect and fix any gaps, using weather‑stripping or door sweeps where needed. It also notes that thermal curtains (see Energy Saving Trust’s “Heat‑saving curtains” page) can add a simple, inexpensive layer of insulation, especially over older single‑paned windows.
A side‑note links to a UK government webpage that offers a quick “Draft‑check” guide (https://www.gov.uk/draft-checker) – a handy resource for spotting weak points in your building envelope.
5. Make the Most of Your Radiators and Heating Circuits
The article explains that many households waste energy by running radiators in empty rooms. Using the Energy Saving Trust’s “Radiator trick” (turning off radiators in unoccupied rooms and using smart valve controls) can shave 5–10 % off your overall heating usage. The piece also highlights how radiator blankets can reduce heat loss by up to 25 % when used on radiators that sit in exposed corners.
The Mirror links to a UKTV guide that offers a visual walkthrough of installing a radiator blanket, a handy DIY project that most homeowners can tackle in under an hour.
6. Use Smart Heating Controls and Timers
Smart thermostats, as mentioned earlier, are a game‑changer. The article gives a shortlist of budget‑friendly models (e.g., Tado, Hive, Nest) and explains how they learn your routines and adjust the heating schedule automatically. Even a simple timer on your existing boiler can save around £30 per year by turning the heat off during late‑night hours.
A side‑link directs readers to a BBC iPlayer episode that showcases the latest smart‑home heating gadgets and how they integrate with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
7. Ventilation: A Balancing Act
Proper ventilation is essential for indoor air quality, yet it can also be a source of heat loss. The Mirror advises using heat‑recovery ventilators (HRVs) or energy recovery ventilators (ERVs)—devices that recover heat from outgoing stale air and pre‑heat incoming fresh air, reducing the need for additional heating. The Energy Saving Trust’s “Ventilation guide” provides a breakdown of when to choose HRVs versus ERVs based on your climate and home layout.
8. Take Advantage of the UK Government’s Energy‑Aid Schemes
Beyond the ECO, the Mirror article reminds readers about other government‑backed schemes that can help lower heating bills:
| Scheme | What It Covers | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| ECO (Energy Company Obligation) | Boiler upgrades, loft insulation, and other energy‑efficiency measures | Low‑income households, households with a large energy bill, people on certain benefits |
| Green Homes Grant (Closed, but some local authorities offer similar funding) | Up to £5,000 per home for insulation, double‑glazing, and low‑emission heating systems | Residents in participating regions |
| Help to Buy – Energy Efficiency Programme | Up to £4,000 for homeowners purchasing a new property | New‑home buyers in England |
| Home Energy Saver Grant (in Scotland) | Funding for home insulation projects | Scottish residents, certain energy‑performance ratings |
The article links to the UK government’s “How to apply for energy efficiency grants” page (https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-energy-efficiency-grants), which walks you through the paperwork and necessary documentation.
9. Adopt Simple Lifestyle Changes
A few less technical, but equally effective, habits are highlighted:
- Close blinds or curtains in the winter to trap heat next to the wall.
- Use a space heater only in the room you’re occupying (and never leave it unattended).
- Wear warmer clothing inside so you can keep the thermostat lower.
- Check and replace old window films if you have single‑pane glass; this can improve insulation by up to 20 %.
These quick wins, though small on their own, add up to a meaningful reduction over time.
10. Keep an Eye on Fuel Prices and Switch Suppliers
The article finishes by encouraging homeowners to compare suppliers on price comparison sites such as Energy Supermarket (https://www.energy-supermarket.com/). Switching suppliers can save 5–10 % a year, especially if you move to a fixed‑rate plan that offers a lower discount or a renewable‑energy supplier.
Bottom Line
By combining a handful of straightforward behavioural tweaks with targeted technical upgrades—especially insulation, efficient boilers, and smart heating controls—most households can realistically shave 15 % or more off their heating bills. The Mirror’s article provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework that anyone can start implementing today.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a cost‑conscious renter, or a homeowner looking for long‑term savings, the resources linked in the article (BBC guides, Energy Saving Trust tutorials, and government grant pages) give you the practical tools to make your home both warmer and more cost‑efficient. Start with the easiest changes—like setting the thermostat down or sealing a draft—and then roll out the bigger investments (insulation, boiler upgrade) as your budget allows. Over time, you’ll notice both your energy bills and your home’s comfort level improving.
All links referenced above are accurate as of the article’s publication date. For the latest updates on government schemes and product recommendations, please consult the original sources.
Read the Full The Mirror Article at:
[ https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/household-bills/how-save-15-heating-bills-36258059 ]
