Ladies and gentlemen, gather around, because today we're going to talk about the oh-so-exciting world of heating controls! Yes, I know, try to contain your excitement. It's riveting stuff! But trust me, by the end of this, you'll be a heating control maestro, ready to save money and the planet!

So, you've got a home, and that home needs to be warm, right? But not too warm, because who needs to feel like they’re living inside a sauna? So, let's dive into the world of heating controls. Whether you’ve got electric storage heaters, a boiler, or even one of those fancy heat pumps, using these controls correctly can save you money and keep your toes toasty.

First off, electric storage heaters. These are the grand old dames of electric heating. They've got these dials – input and output – which sound a bit like something you'd find on a spaceship, but trust me, it's simpler than it sounds.

Input Dial: Now, this is the one that decides how much electricity the heater uses to store up heat. Crank it up if you think tomorrow's going to be a freezer, but if it’s a bit milder, turn it down. Just remember, whatever you do, it won't take effect until the next day. It’s like setting a reminder for your heater!

Output Dial: This one controls how quickly the heater releases the heat. Set it high, and you'll be warm faster than a cat by a radiator. Set it low, and it will release heat slowly, keeping you warm all day. It’s like your heater’s version of slow cooking.

Boost Function: Some heaters have this magical button called the boost function. Use it sparingly though, like the last piece of chocolate. Only press it when you've run out of stored heat, or you might end up paying for more expensive electricity during the day.

Modern heaters are even smarter with automatic controls and thermostats. They practically do everything but make you a cup of tea.

Next up, central heating controls! If you've got a boiler or a heat pump, listen up. These controls are your new best friends:

Programmer or Timer: This little gadget helps you set when your heating and hot water should be on or off. No need to heat your home when nobody’s in. Plan it out so it warms up before you wake up and starts cooling down before bed. Genius, right?

Thermostat: This is the big boss. Set it to the lowest comfortable temperature, ideally between 18 and 21 degrees. And if you’ve got a portable one, move it around to the rooms you use most. It's like having a pet you don’t have to feed.

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs): These little knobs let you control the heat from each radiator. Set them lower in rooms you don’t use much, and higher in the ones you do. Simple and effective, like using a funnel to pour milk without spilling.

Boiler Controls: Your boiler’s got its own set of tricks. It can adjust itself based on the weather outside! Yes, a weather compensator. It’s like having your very own meteorologist.

Lastly, we have the heat pump controls. Now, these can be a bit tricky, but fear not, the Energy Saving Trust has a guide to make it all clear as day.

So there you have it, folks! With these tips, you'll be the master of your home’s temperature, save a few quid on your heating bills, and maybe even help the environment a bit. Now, go forth and conquer your heating controls like the champion you are!

To find out more about government funded home heating schemes, visit the ECO4 page on the UK government website here.

you can also visit the Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) website for further guidance here.

to see if you qualify in less than 27 second, use our eligibility checker here