British Gas, OVO, Octopus, EON customers can touch button on thermostat for free £100

British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON and Octopus customers can slash their energy bills before Christmas - with a themostat tweak. Turning your heating down by just a few degrees can make a big difference to your energy bills amid the Cost of Living crisis.

A study from University College London, which analysed thermostat readings from 13,000 homes nationwide, discovered that maintaining temperatures between 22C and 18C could save an average household around £130.

The study further revealed that for every square meter covered in a household, the average home used about £1.10 less in gas and 40p less electricity when the thermostat was lowered by 1C. Andy Ellis from Posh.co.uk says: "Winter can be a difficult time for homeowners, as the festivities and colder evenings often result in higher bills.

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"By considering your energy consumption at home, you can identify effective ways to save throughout the season." Mr Ellis went on, adding: "There are simple yet cost effective ways to reduce your energy bills this winter, through insulating rooms and sealing draughts, families can enjoy a warm and comfortable home without the added heating bill to worry about.

"There are simple yet cost effective ways to reduce your energy bills this winter, through insulating rooms and sealing draughts, families can enjoy a warm and comfortable home without the added heating bill to worry about."

When you set your thermostat, the boiler will look to maintain this temperature in your home. When the temperature drops below your set temperature, it will come on. But remember, turning the thermostat up higher does not mean that the room will heat up faster – it will only waste energy by overheating a room.

The room will take the same amount of time to heat up whatever the set temperature, customers of energy firms have been warned.