Winter Heating Efficiency Checklist: Keep Cosy & Cut Costs This Winter

As temperatures begin to drop, it’s the perfect moment to check how efficiently your home is being heated and whether you might be paying more than you need to.

Before we dive in, a quick note:

These tips are designed for homes with modern condensing boilers (post-2005) or heat pumps. If you have an older, non-condensing boiler, some advice - like not turning rooms off - may not apply, because those systems work differently and can genuinely save energy by isolating unused spaces.

For the majority of UK homes, which now run on condensing boilers or heat pumps, the guidance below is the most efficient and cost-saving approach all winter long.

Improving your winter heating efficiency doesn’t require complex upgrades or technical know-how. A few smart tweaks can keep you warm, comfortable, and spending less - all season.

Here’s your simple, homeowner-friendly optimisation checklist to help you get the best performance from your heating system all winter long.

Why Winter Heating Efficiency Matters

During the colder months, your heating system does the heavy lifting. Even small inefficiencies add up, and habits like turning heating off completely or running radiators too hot can actually worsen energy performance. By improving your winter heating efficiency, you can reduce energy waste, improve comfort, and support the natural efficiency of your heat pump or boiler.

1. Heat Continuously - With a Small Setback

One of the most effective ways to boost winter heating efficiency is to heat your home continuously with a small temperature setback. Ideally by just 1–2°C when you’re out or asleep.

Why this works:

• Constant on/off cycles force your heating system to work harder.

• A steady, gentle temperature means less strain and better performance.

• Heat pumps and modern boilers love consistency. It keeps them operating in their most efficient range.

A tiny setback can make a big difference without letting your home get cold or requiring large reheating bursts later.

Keep your heating system running efficiently at a constant lower temperature.

2. Don’t Turn Off Rooms - Just Turn Them Down

It might feel logical to switch the heating off completely in rooms you’re not using, but with modern condensing boilers and heat pumps, this can actually reduce winter heating efficiency.

Here’s why:

• Shutting radiators off makes the system “work harder” elsewhere.

• Today’s systems perform best at lower flow temperatures.

• Consistent radiator flow keeps the whole home heating system running smoothly.

Instead of switching radiators off, simply turn them down slightly using the TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves). This keeps energy use low without disrupting system efficiency.

How Radiator Flow Supports Winter Heating Efficiency

Think of your boiler or heat pump like a car: Running smoothly at lower speeds is more efficient than constantly hitting the brakes and accelerating again.

Leaving all radiators gently open increases the surface area available for heat transfer, allowing the system to:

• Run cooler

• Run steadier

• Use less energy overall

Turning radiators off is like hitting the brakes - everything has to work harder.

Setbacks: A Better Alternative to Switching Rooms Off

If you’re not using a room:

• Lower the TRV by about half a notch

• Keep doors open if possible

• Avoid closing radiators completely

This maintains warmth without undermining efficiency.

Instead of switching radiators off, simply turn them down slightly

3. Schedule Hot Water at Smart Times

If your system allows scheduling, try timing hot water reheats during:

• The warmest part of the day (e.g. early afternoon)

• Cheaper tariff periods (if you’re on time-of-use pricing)

Fewer, well-timed reheats help both boilers and heat pumps run more efficiently, improving your home's overall winter heating efficiency.

Final Thoughts on Improving Winter Heating Efficiency

Boosting your winter heating efficiency doesn’t require complicated technology or costly upgrades. With a few thoughtful adjustments, like gentle continuous heating, avoiding switching rooms off, and well-timed water reheats, you can stay warm while keeping running costs under control.

If you’re exploring a more efficient, lower-carbon way to heat your home, a heat pump could be a great fit. We work with homeowners across Greater London, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, and surrounding counties, helping them make confident, informed decisions about heat pump installations.

Reach out to learn more and see whether your home is suitable.

What others say:

• Read our customer reviews

• See what local media and partners say about us

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does this advice apply to all heating systems?

This guidance is designed specifically for modern condensing boilers (installed after 2005) and heat pumps, which make up the majority of UK homes today.If you have an older, non-condensing boiler, some recommendations, such as keeping all rooms gently heated, may not be suitable, as those systems behave differently and can sometimes benefit from isolating unused spaces.

Is it really cheaper to keep my heating on continuously?

Yes, for modern systems, continuous heating with a small temperature setback is usually more efficient than repeatedly switching the heating on and off. Frequent reheating forces your boiler or heat pump to work harder, whereas steady operation allows it to run in its most efficient range, often reducing overall energy use.

What exactly is a “temperature setback”?

A temperature setback simply means lowering your thermostat slightly, usually by 1-2°C, when you’re asleep or out of the house.This keeps your home warm enough to avoid large reheating bursts, while still saving energy compared to maintaining your full comfort temperature all day.

Should I turn radiators off in rooms I’m not using?

For homes with condensing boilers or heat pumps, it’s better not to turn radiators off completely. Instead, turn them down slightly using the TRVs. Keeping all radiators gently active helps your system:

• Run at lower temperatures

• Stay stable and efficient

• Avoid unnecessary strain

  
  

Won’t heating unused rooms waste energy?

Not when done correctly. Turning a radiator down rather than off uses very little energy but helps maintain balanced heat flow throughout your home.This actually supports efficiency and comfort, preventing cold spots, damp, and extra demand on the system elsewhere.

How far should I turn down a radiator in an unused room?

A good rule of thumb is about half a notch lower on the TRV than rooms you’re actively using.The aim is to maintain background warmth, not full comfort heating.

Why do modern systems prefer lower temperatures?

Condensing boilers and heat pumps are most efficient when they can:

• Run steadily

• Operate at lower flow temperatures

• Avoid frequent stop-start cycles

Lower, consistent temperatures allow them to extract and deliver heat more effectively, using less energy overall.

When is the best time to heat hot water?

If your system allows scheduling, hot water is most efficient when heated:

• During the warmest part of the day

• During cheaper tariff periods, if you’re on time-of-use pricing

Fewer, well-timed reheats reduce strain on your system and improve overall efficiency.

Will these changes make my home feel colder?

No, when done properly, most homeowners find their home feels more comfortable, not less. Steady temperatures reduce cold swings and the need for sudden high-heat bursts.

Do I need expensive upgrades to improve winter heating efficiency?

Not at all. These tips focus on how you use your existing system, not replacing it.Small behavioural and control changes can deliver meaningful comfort and cost benefits without any upfront investment.

How do I know if a heat pump is right for my home?

If you’re based in Greater London, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, or nearby counties, we can help assess your home and guide you through whether a heat pump is a good fit with clear, honest advice.