Fireplace, stove and heating experts Stonewoods react to news that most UK households are making at least one critical error with heating controls in their home and paying the price.

As the cold sets in it is all too common for homeowners to reach for the thermostat and crank up the temperature. However, by altering the dial by just a degree, the average cost added onto the annual bill can be as much as £75, says the Energy Saving Trust. What many do not seem to realise is the fractional changes in thermostat settings can have a big impact on the cost of your heating bills and independent experts such as the EST are working to dispel common myths surrounding winter heating of your homes.

A single degree can make a vast difference on heating bills, especially for the frail or elderly, with their heating allowance already stretched to seriously tight levels. So to learn that from a study carried out by the Energy Savings Trust that a staggering 52% of homeowners turn the thermostat up when it’s cold outside, leaves us to think how much energy we are actually wasting. Just one of the most common myths that have been quashed by the EST, the fact is that a thermostat is designed to keep your home at an ambient temperature, whatever the weather conditions outside.

London-based fireplace and stove specialists Stonewoods respond to relevant news and studies on a regular basis within their industry. Although a company offering energy efficient fires, stoves and heating appliances, the company still take a forward role in energy conservation and believe better education on matters such as thermostat settings is necessary:

“For over 60 percent of homeowners to be making the same mistake regarding heating thermostats proves that even the minutest changes can have a detrimental effect on energy bills. In addition to ensuring the correct temperature is set on home heating systems, servicing of systems is also a beneficial practice and if replacing fires, choosing an energy efficient model, something we specialise in, could also help to keep heating bills down this winter.”

It seems a lack of knowledge and having the wrong information can lead to households paying more than they should to heat their homes and in the case of Stonewoods, they believe we should follow the advice of the Energy Saving Trust and maintain heating systems on an annual basis using a certified engineer and when in your home, set the temperature in your home to 21 degrees during the day and 18 degrees at night.

Established in London since 1982, Stonewoods offer a fine selection of stoves, fires, fireplaces and surrounds to suit a range of tastes and requirements. Offering a bespoke service in addition to their extensive selection of high quality items, discover more about their energy efficient heating solutions via their website at www.stonewoods.co.uk