In a stark warning to customers of British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON and Octopus, Ben also pointed out: "Having a thermostat near to a radiator, window or in direct sunlight will also skew the readings.".
He explained: "For example, if you open the front door and let in cold air, then the thermostat may tell your heating system to send out more heat as it thinks the whole house is below your desired temperature.".
In the face of Europe's gas storage slump causing market prices to surge, millions of households are bracing for an energy bill increase greater than anticipated, about 5% from April, say analysts.
UK households could be shelling out hundreds more on energy bills if their thermostat is in the wrong room, experts have warned.
The best spot for the thermostat, Ben suggested, is the room you use most, likely the living room.
