How to Use Central Heating Efficiently

Central heating is the biggest energy expense in most homes during winter. Small changes in how you use it can cut your heating bill by 15–30% without sacrificing comfort. Here's a practical guide to getting the most out of your central heating system.

1. Set the Right Temperature

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 68°F (20°C) when you're home and awake, and 60°F (15°C) when you're asleep or away. Every degree you lower the thermostat saves approximately 1–3% on your heating bill. Over a winter, that adds up significantly.

See our full guide on what temperature to set your heating in winter.

2. Use a Smart or Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature around your schedule — lower when you're away or asleep, warmer when you're home. This single change can save 10–23% on heating costs annually.

The ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced goes further with geofencing (detects when you leave and return), remote room sensors, and Energy Star certification. The Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat is a more budget-friendly option that still offers scheduling, app control, and Alexa/Google compatibility.

3. Bleed Your Radiators

Trapped air in radiators creates cold spots and forces your boiler to work harder. Bleeding radiators at the start of each heating season ensures hot water circulates fully through every radiator. See our guide on how to bleed a radiator.

4. Balance Your Radiators

If some rooms are too hot while others stay cold, your radiators are out of balance. Adjusting the lockshield valves distributes heat evenly and prevents your boiler from overworking. See our guide on how to balance radiators.

5. Use Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)

TRVs let you set different temperatures in different rooms. Turn down the TRV in rooms you don't use regularly — spare bedrooms, hallways — and focus heat where you actually spend time. The Honeywell Home Thera-5 TRV provides accurate, easy-to-set temperature control for individual radiators.

6. Stop Drafts

Cold air leaking in through gaps under doors and around windows forces your heating to work harder. Sealing drafts is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost improvements you can make.

• Door draft stoppers block cold air under exterior and interior doors
• Window sealing tape creates an airtight seal around drafty window frames

7. Use Curtains Strategically

Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let in free solar heat. Close all curtains at dusk to trap warmth inside. Thermal curtains add an extra insulating layer over single-pane windows.

8. Don't Block Radiators

Furniture placed in front of radiators absorbs heat before it reaches the room. Keep at least 12 inches of clearance in front of every radiator. Similarly, don't drape clothes or towels over radiators — it blocks heat output and is a fire risk.

9. Service Your Boiler Annually

A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently and is less likely to break down in the middle of winter. Schedule a service every year, ideally in autumn before the heating season begins.

10. Heat the Person, Not the Room

In rooms where you spend a lot of time but don't need the whole space heated, a space heater or electric blanket is far more efficient than running central heating at full output.

Quick Wins Summary

Central heating efficiency is about using the right amount of heat in the right places at the right times. Start with the thermostat schedule and draft-proofing — both are free or nearly free and deliver immediate results.