Setting your thermostat correctly in winter: 8 mistakes to avoid

3 costly adjustment errors

Your thermostat determines the comfort of your home and the amount of your bills. Some habits seem logical, but they unnecessarily increase your consumption. We explain the most common mistakes to help you heat your home intelligently.

1. Adjusting the temperature that is too high

Many people believe that a high temperature guarantees greater comfort. However, a temperature of around 20°C is sufficient when you are at home. This recommendation offers the best balance between comfort and savings.

Each additional degree significantly increases your energy consumption. The greater the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the harder your heating system has to work.

A properly adjusted thermostatic valve on each radiator allows you to adjust the heat in each room according to your actual needs.

2. Turn the thermostat up to the maximum to heat up more quickly.

This misconception is costly! Turning your thermostat up to the maximum does not heat your home any faster. A thermostat works like a switch, not like an accelerator.

Set it to 25°C when you want 21°C? Your system does not produce more heat. It simply runs longer until it reaches 25°C. The result: you overheat your home and waste energy.

This practice causes premature wear and tear on your system and reduces its lifespan. The solution: set the temperature directly to the desired level and let it do its job.

3. Maintain the same temperature day and night

Maintaining a constant temperature of 20°C seems practical, but it is expensive. You can save up to 10% per year on your bills by easily lowering the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day.

Simple programming is all that is required:

• 20°C when you are awake and present
• 16-17°C while you sleep or when you are away

A cooler house loses less heat to the outside. Even if your system has to catch up to the comfortable temperature, the total consumption remains lower than with constant heating.

A programmable thermostat facilitates this management. Combined with connected thermostatic valves, you can control each room independently for even greater efficiency.

Absence and scheduling: pitfalls to avoid

Managing your heating while you are away can save you a lot of energy. We help you avoid common mistakes that cancel out these potential benefits.

Mistake 4: Switching off the heating completely when you are away

It may seem logical, but turning off the heating completely during a prolonged absence is not the best strategy. This practice forces your system to consume a significant amount of energy to fully reheat your home upon your return. Not only is this inefficient, but it can also expose your pipes to the risk of freezing during very cold periods.

The solution? Turn down the heating to a moderate temperature rather than switching it off completely. If you are going to be away for a few hours, maintain a temperature between 15°C and 17°C. If you are going to be away for several days, a setting between 12°C and 14°C will be sufficient to protect your system while saving energy.

Mistake 5: Not using eco or frost protection mode

The "eco" and "frost protection" modes on your thermostat have been designed specifically for periods when you are away. Not using them means ignoring valuable features that can help you save energy.

The frost protection mode maintains a minimum temperature (usually around 7°C) sufficient to protect your installations from freezing. This is the ideal option for prolonged absences during winter. The eco mode automatically lowers the temperature by a few degrees, reducing consumption while maintaining a certain level of comfort.

If your home is equipped with connected radiator thermostatic valves, you can even adjust these settings remotely via your smartphone. This means you can come home to a comfortable home without wasting energy.

Mistake 6: Ignoring off-peak hours when programming your heating

Programming your heating without taking off-peak rates into account can result in significant financial loss. The cost of electricity can vary considerably depending on the time of day.

To optimise your consumption:

• Check with your electricity supplier to find out exactly when your off-peak hours are.
• Programme the temperature increases before you wake up or return home during these less expensive periods.
• Use the advanced features of a connected thermostat that automatically adapts to these time slots.

This strategy is particularly effective when combined with programmable thermostatic radiator valves. This allows you to apply this approach room by room according to your actual needs.

Equipment and installation: where to place your thermostat

The location of your thermostat determines the efficiency of your entire heating system. A mistake here can ruin your energy-saving efforts, even with the best settings.

Mistake 7: A poorly positioned thermostat costs you money

Your poorly positioned thermostat is lying to your heating system. It triggers inefficient heating cycles that inflate your bill without improving your comfort.

Avoid these locations at all costs:

• Next to radiators or in direct sunlight
• Near doors or windows where draughts occur
• In corridors or rooms that you rarely use

The solution? Install your thermostat on an interior wall, 1.5 metres above the floor, in your living room or a room you use regularly. This position allows it to measure the temperature you actually feel.

If you have thermostatic valves on your radiators, check that no furniture or curtains are blocking them. These small devices need to 'breathe' in order to work properly.

Mistake 8: Insisting on using a manual thermostat

A manual thermostat may seem simpler at first, but it ends up costing you more. We explain why a smart thermostat is a game changer.

First, you program your heating according to your actual lifestyle. No more heating running for nothing while you are away.

Next, smart models learn your habits and automatically adjust the temperature. Your system anticipates your needs without you having to think about it.

Finally, you can control your heating from your smartphone. Stuck in traffic? Turn down the heating with just a few clicks. Back home earlier than expected? Turn the system back on before you arrive.

To take things further, connected thermostatic valves give you control room by room. You only heat the spaces you use, when you use them.

Optimise your thermostat: our practical tips

A few simple steps can significantly improve the efficiency of your heating system. We guide you towards best practices for combining comfort and savings.

Adjust the temperature for each room

Each room in your home has its own requirements. We recommend the following optimal temperatures:

• Living room/lounge: 20–22°C
• Adult bedrooms: 16–19°C
• Children's bedrooms: 16–20°C
• Bathroom: 22–24°C
• Cuisine: 18-20°C
• Corridors and entrances: 15–18°C

This room-by-room approach allows you to heat only where it is needed. You will quickly notice the impact on your bill!

Take advantage of smart features

A connected thermostat automatically detects your presence using geolocation and adjusts the temperature accordingly. Smart programming can save you up to 10% on your bills by lowering the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours.

Install thermostatic valves on your radiators.

A thermostatic radiator valve detects the room temperature and automatically regulates the flow of hot water. These devices offer independent control for each room. A valve set to level 3 generally maintains a temperature of around 20°C.

Connected models are particularly effective for precise remote control.

Maintain your installation annually.

Have your heating system checked by a professional annually. This maintenance ensures optimal operation, extends the life of your equipment, and improves indoor air quality. It is an investment that quickly pays for itself.

A properly adjusted thermostat guarantees comfort and savings.

Setting your thermostat correctly is easy when you know the best practices. These common mistakes can increase your bills by 10% or more, without providing any additional comfort.

Remember the key point: 20°C in living areas, no more. Lower the temperature to 16-17°C at night or when you are away. Your heating system will work better and last longer.

A connected thermostat makes your life easier and reduces your energy bills. You can programme it according to your habits, control it remotely and save money without even thinking about it. Add thermostatic valves to your radiators and you can control the temperature in each room individually.

The location of your thermostat is extremely important. It should be placed on an interior wall, away from radiators and draughts, at eye level, in a room that you use regularly.

We help you avoid the most costly pitfalls: turning off the heating completely when you leave, turning the temperature up to the maximum to heat up more quickly, or ignoring your equipment's eco modes.

Every degree counts for your wallet. Apply these tips this winter and you will quickly see the difference in your energy bill.