Martin Lewis warns households about a common thermostat mistake that could cost hundreds of pounds
Martin Lewis, consumer champion and journalist, recently issued a stern warning about a simple thermostat mistake that could add hundreds of pounds to your energy bills. He addressed this issue on the latest episode of his ITV Money Show last night.
During the show, a member of the audience mentioned that they turn up their thermostat by one degree during the colder months. However, Martin cautioned that this is unnecessary and costly. He explained that a thermostat's function is to maintain a set temperature in your home. Therefore, if it's already warm enough, increasing the temperature by one degree serves no purpose.
Martin stated, "A thermostat says: 'we will keep it at a set temperature'. Why are you turning it up in winter? That's what the thermostat does. If you want it to be 20 degrees, it will stay at 20 degrees, which is the right temperature for you. You don't turn your thermostats up in winter, you just let it get to the heat. That's all you need to do."
Experts have previously warned that turning up your thermostat by just one degree can add £100 to your energy bills. By repeatedly doing this, you could end up unnecessarily adding hundreds of pounds to your bills.
According to Ofgem's current price cap, the average household on a dual-fuel tariff paying via direct debit has energy bills of £1,834 per year. However, this figure can vary depending on your usage. It is significantly higher compared to two years ago due to the spike in wholesale prices.
If you want to save money on your heating bills, adjusting your thermostat to the right temperature is just one way to do it. There are other small changes you can make that can have a positive impact on your outgoings.
Other Ways to Save Money on Heating Bills
Here are a few tips:
1. Place your radiators underneath windows to heat any cold air that enters and circulate it around the room. Avoid placing radiators near doors or other open spaces where heat can escape, as this can add £100 to your yearly bills.
2. Ensure your thermostat is correctly placed in your hallway where it can pick up the average temperature of your home. Avoid placing it near draughty windows or doors, as it may cause the device to read a lower temperature than the average, leading your boiler to turn on unnecessarily.
Following Martin Lewis' advice and implementing these small changes can help you save money on your heating bills and avoid unnecessary expenses.
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