Controlling the timer

A central heating timer or programmer allows you to set your heating and hot water to go on and off when you want. Some only allow you to switch your water and heating systems on and off twice a day. Others allow you to set up three different daily on/off periods for every day of the week. You should read the timer or programmer instructions carefully.

Controlling the temperature

Control the temperature of your home using the room thermostat. This is usually in the hall or living room and reacts to the temperature of the air around it.

Set the room thermostat to between 18°C and 21°C. When this temperature is reached, the thermostat will switch off the central heating. It will switch on again when the temperature drops.

To save energy, set the temperature as low as is comfortably possible. Turning your room thermostat down by 1°C could save you up to 10% on your fuel bill each year! Just remember not to drop below 18°C. 

Control the temperature in individual rooms by using the controls on your radiators. Radiator valves work by opening or closing the valve allowing water to flow in. Use the controls to keep your bedrooms at a lower temperature (just by one or two degrees) than your living room and keep your heating bills down.