Energy bills are set to increase for households across the country following confirmation from the regulator Ofgem that the energy price cap will rise by 4 percent from October.
The change means typical annual costs for those paying by direct debit will climb from £1,663 to £1,723.
However, advice from industry experts suggests that two straightforward measures could help consumers offset some of this increase.
According to estimates from the Energy Saving Trust, sealing draughts around windows, floors, and door frames could result in annual savings of approximately £55.
Reducing room temperature settings by one degree, specifically lowering thermostat levels from 22°C to 21°C, could deliver additional savings of around £120.
Combined, these two changes might save households roughly £175 per year, though individual circumstances will affect actual amounts.
Heating specialist Rob Nezard, representing UK Radiators, is encouraging property owners to carry out maintenance checks on their heating systems before the colder months arrive.
The timing of such preparations is considered important, as identifying faults during periods of low demand provides opportunities for repairs that would be more difficult to arrange once heating systems are under full load.
Among the recommendations put forward, inspecting radiators for uneven heating or delayed warming is highlighted as a priority task.
When a radiator fails to heat completely or develops cold sections, this may indicate trapped air preventing proper circulation of hot water.
In such cases, releasing the air through bleeding the radiator could resolve the issue.
Persistent problems that remain after basic troubleshooting may require professional assessment rather than simply raising thermostat settings.
Ensuring thermostatic radiator valves function correctly is also advised.
Valves that have become stuck after prolonged periods without use may need to be checked and freed.
Room usage patterns should influence heating decisions, with infrequently occupied spaces such as guest bedrooms potentially requiring less heating than regularly used living areas.
The positioning of furniture relative to radiators warrants attention, as large items placed directly in front of heating surfaces can obstruct heat transfer into rooms.
Allowing adequate clearance around radiators enables more efficient warming of living spaces.
Preventing heat loss through proper insulation of doors and windows is identified as a particularly cost-effective measure, with relatively inexpensive draught-proofing solutions available.
Additional practical steps include drawing curtains after dark and closing doors between rooms to retain warmth that has already been generated.
The emphasis placed on these approaches suggests that addressing heat loss should precede any decision to increase thermostat settings.