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If we are to make energy savings in our homes (and workplaces) then setting your thermostat for maximum energy savings is essential. Without the thermostat set correctly all our other efforts are instantly undermined. Effective heating controls allow us to control the temperature within our homes and workplaces, enabling us to make our homes warm when it is needed but off in summer or warm weather. The thermostat, along with our lights, is the most important aspect of our maximizing energy savings.

A thermostat switches on and off your heating when it is required. By sensing the air temperature the thermostat can be set so that if the air temperature drops below a certain point the heating comes on, and if it rises above a certain point it will turn off.

The following points are aimed at helping maximize energy savings by having your thermostat set correctly:

Set your thermostat so you are comfortable. If your house is a little warm then by reducing the thermostat by 1 degree can save 10% on your heating costs. 68 degrees F is a good temperature while you are awake, and slightly lower for when you are asleep.

A common misconception is that it is better to have a room/house/office warm and the thermostat ticking over, rather than warming it up from cold. However, many studies have shown that this is not the case, and that energy is saved by turning a thermostat off and then having it come back on later.

If you have a programmable thermostat then set the timer to turn your heating on at the times of the day when you are going to be at home and to turn off as you are about to go to bed, or will be out of the house. By programming your thermostat you can save money and energy by not having the heating on unnecessarily.

TVRs or Thermostatic radiator valves sense the air temperature like the main thermostat and can turn individual radiators on or off. Individual rooms can be set to go on and off independently. But note that these are independent of your main thermostat and heating system.

Make sure that thermostats are not covered by anything such as cupboards or curtains. They require a good flow of air in order to accurately obtain the air temperature and make the house a comfortable temperature. If the thermostat is covered then any other measures may be undermined.

By maximizing the savings from our thermostats at home and work we reap the benefits of both financial savings and in preserving the earth's resources. By doing something as simple as adjusting your thermostat and installing cheap radiator thermostats we can all maximize the savings in our home bills and contribute to a greener society.

Learn more about this author, John Benson.
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