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Getting the most from your Heat Network

Energy Efficiency Tips

Simple ways to save energy and stay comfortable

If you're connected to one of our heat networks, small changes can help you make the most of your heating system. These quick tips can help you reduce heat loss, lower your usage, and keep your home warm all year round.

Where Can Your Home Lose Heat

SSE and Me home losing heat image

Heat can escape through poorly insulated walls, windows, doors, and vents. This forces your heating system to work harder and raises your energy bills. Making a few small improvements can make a big difference.

What you can do:

  • Seal gaps around doors and windows with draught excluders or sealant
  • Insulate walls and loft spaces
  • Check around vents and pipework for leaks

Adjust Your Thermostat

Reducing your thermostat by just one degree can save energy and money, without compromising comfort. Most people won’t notice the difference, but your bills will!

Try this:

  • Lower your thermostat by 1°C
  • Wait a day and see how it feels
  • If comfortable, try lowering it another degree

Time Your Heating

Using your heating only when you need it is an easy way to cut energy use. Timers and smart thermostats can help keep your home warm without wasting energy.

Top tips:

  • Set your heating to come on before you wake up and off before bed
  • Turn heating off during the day if no one’s home
  • Use smart controls to automate heating around your routine

Take Shorter Showers

Heating water takes energy, so reducing your hot water use is a great way to cut costs. Short showers are an easy win—especially if you’re on a water meter.

How it helps:

  • A 5-minute shower uses about a third of the water of a bath
  • Saves both energy and water
  • Use a shower timer or playlist to keep track

Manage Unused Rooms

Heating rooms you rarely use wastes energy. Keeping them cooler and stopping warm air from escaping into them can improve your home’s efficiency.

Try this:

  • Turn down TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) in unused rooms
  • Keep doors shut to unheated spaces
  • Use draught excluders to stop heat escaping

Don’t Block Radiators

Radiators work best when air can flow freely. Blocking them with furniture or laundry traps heat and forces your system to work harder.

Why it matters:

  • Keep radiators clear of large furniture
  • Don’t dry laundry directly in front of radiators
  • Let heat circulate around the room efficiently

Close Curtains at Night

Curtains help trap heat inside, especially after dark when outdoor temperatures drop. It's a simple habit that can make a real difference to heat retention.

Benefits:

  • Close curtains as soon as it gets dark
  • Use lined or thermal curtains for extra insulation
  • Open them during the day to let in sunlight

Condensation and Mould

Condensation can lead to mould, which is harmful to your health. It’s common in homes with poor heating and ventilation, especially in winter.

Prevent it by:

  • Keeping your home warm with steady, low-level heating
  • Ventilating kitchens and bathrooms during and after use
  • Using extractor fans or slightly opening windows