As the nights draw in and the thermostat creeps upward, many households brace for the seasonal spike in energy bills. From 1st October to 31st December 2025, the average annual energy cost for a typical UK household will rise by 2% to £1,755.
While this is still £625 less than the peak of the energy crisis in early 2023, it’s a reminder that energy remains a significant expense. Traditional advice – boil only what you need, wear an extra jumper, set your heating schedule – still holds value.
But today, we’re looking beyond the basics to explore how smart home technology can help you take control of your heating and unlock serious savings. Let’s see how these clever gadgets can help you cut costs without cutting comfort.
Smart thermostats: control at your fingertips
Smart thermostats are the cornerstone of modern home heating. These devices let you control your heating remotely via smartphone or tablet, so you’re never stuck paying to heat an empty house. Heading out unexpectedly? Just tap the app to switch off the heating. Coming home early? Boost the warmth before you walk through the door.
Many models, like a Hive Thermostat for example, learn your schedule and adjust automatically. Some even detect open windows or sudden temperature drops, helping you avoid waste. The result? You could save up to £175 a year just by upgrading to a smart thermostat.
And let’s not forget the convenience. Whether you’re curled up on the sofa or halfway across the country, your heating is just a tap away.
Multizone heating: warmth where you need it
Heating your entire home all the time is often unnecessary and expensive. Multizone heating solves this by allowing you to control different areas of your home independently. If you have separate thermostats upstairs and downstairs, smart systems let you manage each zone from your phone.
This means you can turn off the heating in unused rooms with a swipe, reducing waste and lowering bills. Want even more precision? Add smart TRVs to individual radiators for room-by-room control.
Thermostatic radiator valves: precision heating
TRVs are small devices with big impact. They let you set the temperature for each room individually, so you’re not overheating the guest bedroom while trying to stay warm in the kitchen. And, if you install ones that can be linked to a smart meter, they give you full control via app, perfect for tailoring your heating to your lifestyle.
A standard pair costs around £30. While draining the heating system is recommended for safety and efficiency, it’s a manageable DIY project for many homeowners. Though you can, of course, contact a local plumber.
Adding TRVs to a system that already has a programmer and thermostat can save £35 a year. And by directing heat only where it’s needed, you’ll reduce your energy use and carbon footprint.
Smart leak detectors: preventing a disaster
Heating isn’t the only area where smart tech can save you money. Water damage from leaks or frozen pipes can be devastating – and costly! Smart leak detectors placed near water heaters, sinks, and pipes send instant alerts to your phone when they detect moisture.
Some advanced systems can even shut off your water automatically to prevent damage. Catching leaks early means avoiding expensive repairs and the disruption of major renovations. It’s a small investment that can prevent a big headache.
One degree could mean bigger savings
Not all savings require gadgets. According to the Energy Savings Trust, turning your thermostat down by just one degree can cut your energy bill by 10%. The key is finding the lowest comfortable temperature, which is typically between 18 and 22 degrees.
Combined with smart tech, this simple tweak can amplify your savings. Smart thermostats and TRVs make it easy to experiment with lower settings without sacrificing comfort.
Protect your home with Howden Insurance
And as energy prices continue to fluctuate, these tools give you the power to stay ahead. Whether you’re looking to save £30 or £175 a year, every pound counts, and smart tech makes it easier than ever.
Of course, with great tech comes great responsibility. As you upgrade your home with smart heating solutions, make sure your insurance keeps pace. At Howden Insurance, we understand the value of your smart home investments, from thermostats to leak detectors, and we’re here to help you protect them.
Our tailored home insurance policies can help you cover the things that matter most, so while you focus on saving energy, we’ll focus on safeguarding your home. Ready to make your home smarter and safer? Visit Howden Insurance to learn more and speak with your local team.
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This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.