Boiler, heater and thermostat tips that help lower costs | Tenant news

Heating your home during the winter months can feel like a game of how much is too much, especially when energy bills start creeping up.

That’s why we’ve rounded up some boiler, heater and thermostat tips to help keep your home cosy without emptying your wallet.

Check your settings

One of the easiest ways to cut costs is to keep an eye on your thermostat and boiler settings.

Most people are comfortable between 18°C and 21°C, and lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can make a noticeable difference to your energy bill.

If you have a combi boiler, reducing the flow temperature from the standard 70–80°C to around 60°C can improve efficiency without leaving your home cold.

Use smart controls

Smart thermostats let you control your heating automatically, helping you save money while keeping your home comfortable.

They can lower the temperature while you’re out and raise it before you return, so you don’t waste energy heating an empty house. This way, you only use energy when you need it.

Placement is important too. Make sure wall thermostats aren’t blocked by curtains, furniture, or heat sources like radiators.

If the thermostat gets the wrong temperature reading, it might turn the heating off too early. This can leave your home cold and make the boiler work harder to warm it up again, which uses extra gas and increases your bills.

Boilers and radiators

A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently. As your landlord, Habinteg is responsible for carrying out an annual service to keep your system working properly, reduce the risk of breakdowns, and help keep your energy use low.

If your home is connected to the gas network, we will write to let you know when your check is due. A qualified gas engineer will visit to carry out the service.

Your radiators play a crucial role in how efficiently your heating works. Here are some easy ways to get the most from them and help keep your bills down:

1. Bleed your radiators – Releasing trapped air can improve heat circulation and make your system work more efficiently.
2. Keep them clear – Avoid blocking radiators with furniture or curtains so the heat spreads around the room.
3. Use radiator reflectors – Placing panels or foil behind radiators on outside walls pushes heat back into the room instead of letting it escape.
4. Use thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) – Set temperatures in individual rooms so you only heat the spaces you use.

If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with your household bills, don’t wait until it becomes a problem. Our cost of living support hub can connect you to support services that can offer advice.

You may also be eligible for government schemes such as the Winter Fuel Payment, which provides extra help with heating costs for those over 65.

For more information, visit ww.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.

************