I'm a heating expert — this is the perfect temperature to set your thermostat and could save you 10% - Leicestershire Live

With the chill of winter on the horizon, UK households are beginning to contemplate when to fire up their central heating systems. The recent announcement that Ofgem's energy price cap will increase by 10% has left many pondering the best strategy for warming their homes without racking up astronomical bills.

Despite a relatively mild October, the anticipated drop in temperatures has led Stephen Day, an iHeat heating engineer, to offer his guidance on optimal thermostat settings to maintain warmth without economic wastage.

Stephen advises setting your home's thermostat between 18C and 20C and suggests waiting until external temperatures fall below 15C before even considering turning on the heat.

He explained: "This range strikes the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency. It’s warm enough to ensure the home feels cosy, but not so high that it results in unnecessary energy consumption, keeping your bills in check."

By simply dialling down your thermostat by 1C, Stephen claims you could slash your heating expenditure by up to an impressive 10%, reports the Express.

He also recommends smart use of thermostat programming throughout the day, as opposed to leaving the heat on one constant level.

Offering insight into efficient management, Stephen says: "One of the easiest and most efficient ways to keep your home consistently between 18C and 20C is by setting a schedule on your heating system.

"Many modern boilers come equipped with programmable thermostats that allow homeowners to pre-set temperatures according to their daily routines, while smart thermostats can be controlled via your phone."

Stephen emphasises the importance of maintaining this temperature range, particularly for children, the elderly, or vulnerable individuals who may have difficulty regulating their body heat.

He concluded: "For the really vulnerable or young, 21C might be slightly more comfortable, but always keep an eye out for any signs of overheating. Well-insulated homes can trap a lot of heat and become too warm fast."

For more expert advice and information on heating your home, visit the iHeat website.