You're using your radiator thermostat wrong - woman shares what numbers mean

Radiator
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Are you guilty of randomly selecting a number on your thermostatic radiator valve, hoping it will do the trick?

This common heating error could be draining your wallet, particularly if you're unsure what those numbers signify. With ice and snow wreaking havoc across parts of the UK in recent weeks, and milder temperatures still requiring some warmth, you may find yourself cranking up your radiators more than usual.

You might even be tempted to turn that dial up a notch or two, hoping to create a cosier atmosphere at home. However, this could be a costly mistake.

READ MORE: Heating expert says mistake is 'pushing up' your energy bill

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Jasmine Guerney, known for her DIY videos, home hacks and tips on TikTok, recently posted a guide on how to properly use your radiator thermostat to "save you money on your energy bills". In her video, she pointed out that an incorrectly set valve could be "costing you money and may not be heating your room effectively".

According to Jasmine, thermostats can actually regulate the temperature in your room "better than a main boiler thermostat". She explained: "Each number represents the room temperature of which it will start letting in hot water to warm up the room."

She then clarified what each number signifies. The number 0 indicates that it's completely off, meaning the "radiator isn't working" and there's "no water flowing through". If you set it to the star setting, it means if the room is colder than 7 degrees Celcius, the water "will turn on and start flowing".

The number 1 signifies 10 degrees, 2 stands for 15 degrees, 3 is 20 degrees, 4 is 25 degrees, 5 is 30 degrees, and 6 is above 35 degrees. This implies that if you're setting it to a higher number, you're instructing the thermostat not to start allowing water in until it reaches an extremely high temperature, which "isn't very energy efficient".

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Instead, Jasmine advises you to "wait" and let the thermostatic valve "do its" job. And properly heating the room shouldn't "take more than two to three hours".

She further added: "Turning them down will save you money and make your home more energy efficient". For rooms that aren't frequently used, Jasmine suggests using the 1 setting. If you're going on holiday, you can switch it to the 'frost' or 'star' setting to save money. Many people were unaware of how thermostats functioned.

One exclaimed: "Why was I never told this!! I’ve always kept mine on 3 but Thank you." Another simply stated: "Thanks for this. I had no idea."

And a third commented: "Gas man here, well done, explained it well, be surprised how many people have no idea how they work."