In most households in England, half the money spent on fuel bills goes on heating and hot water. Improving the efficiency of your heating and hot water system can help save money, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and make your home a more comfortable place to live. In winter the ideal living temperature for occupied rooms is between 18-21°C.

• Understanding your heating system
• Controlling your heating and hot water system
• Can I get a Heating grant?

Understanding your heating system

Nearly all homes in the UK have either:

• a central heating system – a boiler and radiators this includes main gas, LPG and Oil, Heat Pumps (renewable technology)
• or electric storage heaters

Some homes will also make use of individual heaters or fires that are not part of the main central heating system, which is also known as secondary heating.

The Energy Saving Trust has information on their website to help you understand your heating system and tips to help you run it efficiency.

Electric storage heaters can be difficult to use efficiently, and can result in high electric bills. Watch the video to see how you can use your storage heaters effectively.

Electric heating is one of the most expensive heating options in the UK. However, as the national grid gradually uses more low carbon renewable energy and we move away from using gas and oil, having an electric heating system will be a positive.

Controlling your heating and hot water system

Heating controls allow us to stay in control our heating and hot water systems. They can help save money on your energy bill and heat your home more efficiently when used properly.

The main type of heating controls are:

• Programmer or Timer
• Room thermostat
• Smart heating controls
• Hot water Cylinder thermostats
• Thermostatic radiator valves

How to use your room and radiator thermostats efficiently

The Centre for Sustainable Energy also has videos in other formats such as BSL and has created a Useful heating control information sheet.

Can I get a grant for a new heating system?

Support is available to some West Sussex residents to help improve the energy efficiency of their heating and hot water systems. Check to see if you are eligible by visiting Heating and Insulation grants page.

Can Help to Heat save you money on your heating bills? | Extra help | SGN