As we head into the colder months, it's tempting to crank up the thermostat to stay warm. But many households waste energy, and money, simply by not using their heating system efficiently. At BIG Warranties, we know that small mistakes with your radiators and thermostats can lead to higher bills and unnecessary stress. Here's how to stay warm without overspending.

How thermostats and radiator valves work

Your room thermostat controls when your boiler turns on and off. Some modern thermostats even tell your boiler how hard it should work.

Thermostat radiator valves (TRVs) control how warm individual rooms get. They allow you to heat rooms differently depending on usage.

Together, these controls ensure your home only uses the energy it needs. But if they're not set up correctly, you could be wasting energy.

For example, if your thermostat calls for heat but the radiators in that room are turned down, your boiler will keep heating water that just circulates around your pipes without warming your home effectively.

The radiator setup to avoid

One common mistake is setting your thermostat high while keeping the radiator nearest to it turned down or off.

TRV setting typically work like this:

• 0 - Valve closed, no heat
• Frost protection - Opens if the room risks freezing
• 1 - Keeps the room cool
• 2 - Closes when the room is cool
• 3 - Closes when the room is comfortable
• 4 - Closes when the room is toasty
• 5 - Fully open

Remember: TRVs don't stop the boiler. Your boiler will heat water as long as the thermostat demands it. If radiators are turned down, heat just circulates inefficiently.

Tip: Keep the radiator nearest your thermostat fully open, and lower TRV settings in rooms you don't use as much. This way, your boiler only runs when it's needed, saving both energy and money.

Do thermostatic radiator valves save money?

Yes - if used correctly. Closed or low-setting radiators in unoccupied rooms allow more heat to flow to the areas you actually use. This helps the boiler reach the target temperature more quickly, reducing gas usage.

Running some water through lower-settings radiators is usually enough. It also prevents freezing and helps your boiler operate efficiently.

How to make your boiler more efficient

Even small adjustments to your boiler and controls can save energy:

• Load compensation - Adjusts boiler output depending on your home's heating needs.
• Weather compensation - Uses outside temperature sensors to reduce energy use on mild days.
• Smart controls - Automates heating schedules and can detect open windows to avoid wasted heat.

If you're having your boiler serviced, ask your engineer whether your system is set up efficiently. Many older setups don't take full advantage of modern boiler features.

Stay warm without wasting energy

The key to reducing bills is simple: set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature, keep nearby radiators open, and adjust TRVs in less-used rooms. Small changes like these can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and energy costs.

And remember, with BIG Warranties Home Emergency & Boiler Insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, help is just a call away.