Back to GuidesSmart Home

Best Smart Thermostat Settings

Optimise your smart thermostat schedule to maximise savings while staying comfortable.

7 min readSave £100–£200/yrUpdated March 2024

Getting the Most from Your Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat only saves money if it's set up correctly. Many people install one and never optimise the settings, missing out on potential savings.

Recommended Temperature Settings

Based on energy efficiency guidelines:

  • Living areas (daytime): 18–20°C
  • Bedrooms (night): 15–17°C
  • Away/empty home: 12–14°C
  • Frost protection: 7–10°C

Optimal Schedule Examples

Working from Home

06:30 — Heat to 19°C (wake up)
22:00 — Drop to 16°C (bedtime)
Use occupancy sensors if available

Office Workers

06:00 — Heat to 19°C (before waking)
08:30 — Drop to 14°C (leaving)
16:30 — Heat to 19°C (before returning)
22:00 — Drop to 16°C (bedtime)

Enable Geofencing

Most smart thermostats can detect when everyone leaves the house and automatically lower the temperature. This prevents heating an empty home if your schedule changes.

Use Weather Compensation

Some thermostats adjust based on outside temperature. On milder days, your home loses heat slower, so the heating doesn't need to work as hard.

Learning Mode Tips

Let your thermostat learn for 2–3 weeks before making manual adjustments. Constantly overriding it prevents the algorithm from optimising effectively.

Monitor Your Energy Reports

Review monthly reports to see usage patterns. Look for days with unexpectedly high usage and investigate — it often reveals opportunities to save.

Ready to start saving?

Compare energy deals now and see how much you could save on your bills.

Compare Energy Deals

Get smarter about your energy bills

Join UK homeowners saving £100s per year with simple tips, deals, and tools.

Free guide — limited release