Energy advice
Top energy saving tips
- Use lower wattage or energy saving bulbs
- Turn your heating thermostat down to 18 degrees
- Use timers and programmers to save on heating and hot water
- Wash clothes on 30 degrees
- Only fill kettles with as much water as you need
- Turn off televisions, DVD players and music systems at the socket, or use a power-down device
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Switching energy supplier
Changing your energy supplier is quick and easy to do and it could save you money.
Find out how much you could save through our partner, Energy Angels.
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Timing your heating to turn on and off
Heating timers and programmers allow you to control when your heating and hot water turn on and off.
You should set your heating to turn on half an hour before you need it and set it to turn off half an hour before you no longer need it. This is because it takes around 30 minutes for central heating appliances to warm up and cool down.
Your programmer may also give you the option of setting alternative on and off times at weekends, or twice during the day. You should aim to run your heating for two periods and for no more than nine hours per day in total.
Do you know what the settings mean?
Auto / Twice
The heating will go on and off during the day at set times
24 Hours / On
The heating stays on all the time
Off
The heating remains off all the time
All day / Once
The heating will switch on at the first ‘on’ setting and remain on until the last ‘off’ setting
Boost / +1 hour
The heating turns on for one hour
Advance
Moves the programmer to the next 'on' or 'off' setting
We fit a range of timers and programmers in the homes we manage. Search for yours by entering the make and model on YouTube to find out more about how it works and watch videos to help you operate it.
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Controlling the temperature in your home
Room thermostats
A room thermostat is usually found in the hallway, living room, on the stairs or landing. Its job is to monitor the temperature in the home and tell the boiler to turn off the heating when it’s warm enough. Thermostats are normally set at between 18 and 21 degrees. You do not need to turn your thermostat up when it’s a cold day; your home will heat up to the set temperature whatever the weather.
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRV)
A TRV allows you to set the temperature for a specific room by controlling the flow of water through the radiator. You can save energy and money by turning down TRVs in rooms that are not in use.
Boiler thermostat
Your boiler will usually have a dial marked with 1 to 6 or Min to Max. This dial sets the temperature of the water that is pumped from the boiler through the radiators in your home. The higher you set it, the faster your home will heat up.
Cylinder thermostat
Cylinder thermostats have a scale that should be pre-set to between 60 and 65 degrees. It controls the temperature of your hot water by switching off the heat supply from your boiler when the set temperature has been reached. We advise against changing the settings on cylinder thermostats and they should never be set below 60 degrees.
Learn more about controlling the heating in your home
If you have any questions about the heating appliances in your home, please contact us.
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Water
Using lots of water will increase your energy bills but there are lots of small changes you can make to create a big difference.
Severn Trent Water can give you help to understand your bill, advice on how to save money and support with different ways to pay.
Energy events and visits
If you’re finding it hard to keep your home warm or are worried about how much energy you are using, you may benefit from a home energy visit or attending one of our energy events. We can help you to reduce your energy usage and save money.