British Gas, EDF, EON, Ovo, Octopus customers who have a boiler being handed free £130

Octopus, British Gas, EDF, EON Next and OVO customers could save £130 with a simple switch. Energy bill and heating experts are encouraging people to turn down their thermostat by just one degree celsius - because it could lead to £130 savings.

Analysts at University College London found you could save up to £130 a year with the change. Experts recommend that the ideal temperature for homes ranges from 18C to 22C but British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON and Octopus customers may have their heating set at a level above what they need, such as at 23C or higher.

Llewellyn Kinch, CEO of solar platform and home energy specialists MakeMyHouseGreen, said: "An ideal temperature while you're up and active at home is about 20C. You should find this to be about right for moderate levels of activity in the house."

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Les Roberts, business energy comparison expert with the group, said: "Only heating up your home when you need to can be done by simply setting the timer on the thermostat to start the heating at certain times or consider a time of use tariff that offers cheaper rates at certain times.

"On this point, it may also be worth switching to a time of use tariff or off-peak tariff, where the price of energy will be lower at times when the grid is under less pressure and demand is lowest, which tends to be between 10pm-8am."

Mr Roberts explained: "It might be worth upgrading your large appliances, like washing machines and dishwashers if you've had them for more than 10 years. More efficient models cut the KwH used significantly, so running costs will be much lower and over time, the money spent on the appliance will be made back in savings."

Mr Roberts warned: "Do note that if all the above conditions are met and your supplier does supply you with all the above assistance and you still refuse to pay, they do have the right to gain a warrant to enter your home and install a prepayment meter or they could change your smart meter setting to a pay-as-you-go set up.

"Your provider is also obliged to move your prepayment meter to a more accessible location if you are struggling to access it. For example, if you are disabled or have limited mobility and the prepayment meter has been installed out of your reach."