"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," he adds.
However, turning down your thermostat by just one degree can lower energy bills by up to 10 per cent, meaning it is worth checking that you’ve picked the optimal heat setting.
Placing the thermostat next to a source of warmth like a radiator or window in direct sunlight can also “skew the readings” says Mr Gallizzi.
While this might actually mean less money is spent on heating, those who need a warmer home might want to check they aren’t getting less than desired.
But something as simple as where you place your thermostat could be putting your household at risk of an unnecessarily elevated energy bill.
