The Money Saving Expert founder’s ‘easy’ tip can help save around 10 per cent off energy bills
With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to put a squeeze on people’s bank accounts, finding ways to save money wherever possible can be incredibly helpful. Many people look to authority figures like Martin Lewis for guidance as he regularly shares helpful tips, including on his Money Saving Expert (MSE) website, social media channels, BBC podcast and ITV’s The Martin Lewis Money Show Live.
As millions across the country battle soaring utility bills following Ofgem’s price cap increase in October, with another rise due next month, following cost-effective advice can help. One really simple tip he has previously recommended is designed to save around 10 per cent off energy bills.
He gave this advice on his ITV show a few years back; even though energy bills are still high, the suggestion is still useful today and can help homeowners. According to the official Money Saving Expert website, his team mentions that the part of the show was recorded in November 2022 and states that “the tips still work.”
The tip involves following a one degree Celsius ‘rule’ whenever you can regarding your thermostat. Urging people to use his advice, he told viewers at the time: “Take my one degree challenge.”
Explaining what the ‘challenge’ entails, he said: “The World Health Organisation says 18 degrees is fine for healthy adults. Younger, older, or ill, you might need more… Most of you know it’s not for me to tell you what to do, but I’d like you to try reducing one degree.
“Say you’re at 21C, try reducing to 20C – that could save you around 10 per cent on the heating bill… When we’re talking about it, this isn’t scientific, but if you think about it, if your heating is only kicking in at 15 degrees, which it may well be, and you’re heating to 21C, only heating to 20C is actually a really significant saving. Don’t think 0C to 20C, think 15C to 20C, to get it in your head.”
He added: “And another thing, who, when it gets cold, turns the thermostat up in the house? Look, your thermostat will get you up to the temperature you want. This is a panic reaction – ‘it’s cold, I’m going to turn it up more’. The thermostat dictates what the temperature is. Don’t turn it up, just wait for it to get to the heat and then you won’t need to pay too much more.”
What does the team at MSE say?
The team says following the ‘rule’ is ‘one of the easiest’ tips they have to offer. The Energy Saving Trust states that lowering the temperature by one degree could save around £90 per year on average for a typical home.
The site explains: “Many have their thermostats set in the 20s. And while cutting from, say, 21C to 20C doesn’t sound much, it may reduce your heating bill by £90 a year. As a ‘way to think of it’ concept (not science), imagine your home was already at 13C, dropping the difference between that and what it’s warmed to by one degree will make up a big chunk of that.
“There’s also no need to turn up the temperature when it’s colder outside. The thermostat’s job is to heat the home to the set temperature, it just may take longer in colder weather.”
What temperature should your home be set to?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a minimum indoor temperature of 18C is recommended for healthy adults in colder climates, especially during winter. For more vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, or those with health conditions, a minimum of 20C is recommended.
