Does Turning Down Your Thermostat Save Money?

Rarely have energy bills been such a hot topic as they are now.

And with the recent sub zero temperatures across the West Coast of Scotland, more and more home owners are looking at ways to cut their energy bills. And one of the all time classic suggestions has been to turn your thermostat down by one degree. But does turning down your thermostat really save money?

In short – yes. By turning your thermostat down by just one degree, it reduces the energy output your radiators are required to reach to heat your home. And that in turn cuts the usage that your boiler has to be called upon. Less boiler usage equals less energy paid by you. Simple.

But how much energy can I actually save?

According to the Energy Saving Trust, a simple change of your thermostat by one degree can cut your energy bills by about £145 per year. But as energy prices continue to creep up, that saving will only increase as well. Obviously if you live in a larger/older house with an older inefficient boiler then the savings will be less. And that is where insulation, a new modern boiler and cutting out any draughts can help you out. That and layering.

Will I not notice the temperature change?

Yes. If you were perfectly comfortable with 20oC then dropping down to 19 or even 18oC will take some getting used to. But that is where the age old saying from your granny comes in – ‘if you’re called, put on a jumper’. There is nothing wrong with wearing a jumper indoors. And if it comes with a financial saving in the hundreds of pounds per year simple by lowering the thermostat by a degree or two then so be it.

Any other tips?

Yes. If you have particular rooms of the house that are rarely used, they don’t need to be heated to the same temperature all the time. Close the doors, turn the radiators heating valve down and save even more. Keep an eye on things, especially if you live in an older home. If you make the rooms too cold, it runs the risk of creating damp problems. But this is all part and parcel of living in an older home.