Get smart with your heating controls

An easy, low-cost way to cut bills, reduce carbon, and take charge of your comfort.

When we think about home energy upgrades, we often jump straight to heat pumps or insulation. But one of the simplest and most cost-effective changes you can make is getting better control over your heating.

If you’ve ever found yourself too hot in one room and too cold in another – or heating the whole house when you’re only using one room – then improving your heating controls could make a big difference.

Here’s how they work, why they matter, and how to know if they’re right for your home

What are heating controls?

Heating controls let you manage when and where your home is heated – so you use less energy while staying comfortable. They’re especially useful if you have a gas boiler or central heating system.

The key types of controls include:

• Boiler thermostat – controls how hot the water gets when it leaves your boiler
• Timer or programmer – turns your heating and hot water on and off automatically
• Room thermostat – keeps rooms from overheating by switching heating off when the set temperature is reached
• Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) – let you set different temperatures in different rooms

Together, these let you tailor your heating to your lifestyle, avoid waste, and create a more comfortable home environment.

Are heating controls right for your home?

Most homes can benefit – especially if your current controls are old, basic, or missing altogether. Modern thermostats are much more accurate than older ones, and adding TRVs or a timer can offer better zone control and reduce wasted heat.

You don’t need to wait until replacing your boiler – controls can be installed as a standalone upgrade, often quickly and at relatively low cost.

How much could you save?

According to the Energy Saving Trust, (last reviewed in 2022), installing a programmer, room thermostat, and TRVs could save around £60 per year and cut carbon emissions by 310kg. With energy prices fluctuating, the potential savings today may be higher – especially if you’re upgrading from older or inefficient controls.

Why it matters

Heating makes up more than half the average household’s energy bill. So getting smart about how and when you heat your home is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs and cut carbon – while making your home feel better to live in.

Want help figuring out the right upgrades for your home?

We’re here to help. Whether heating controls are your first step or just one part of a bigger plan, we’ll help you make sense of your options and decide what to do next.

Contact us for a quick, no-pressure chat – or explore our other blogs on home energy upgrades.