Heating accounts for 60 to 70% of a household's energy bill on average. Adapting your thermostat settings to each season — rather than leaving a fixed programme all year round — can generate an additional 10 to 15% savings.

Seasonal action calendar

Season	Period	Main action	Target temperature
Spring	Mar – May	Gradual switch-off, maintenance	17 – 19 °C then off
Summer	Jun – Aug	Heating off, boiler service	Off (frost mode if away)
Autumn	Sep – Nov	Restart, new schedule	19 – 20 °C progressively
Winter	Dec – Feb	Optimise, frost protection	20 °C day / 16 °C night

Spring (March – May): gradual switch-off

As warmer days return, reduce your target temperature by 1°C per week rather than cutting everything off at once. When outdoor temperatures consistently exceed 12°C during the day, switch off the heating.

• Drop to 17°C in March, then 16°C in April before switching off entirely.
• Open windows during the day to ventilate naturally and release moisture built up over winter.
• Bleed radiators if you hear gurgling — an air pocket reduces their efficiency by 20 to 30%.
• Check window seals and draught-proofing: repairing them now is cheaper than doing it as an emergency in autumn.

Summer (June – August): switch off and service

Switch the heating circuit off completely but keep hot water running. This is the ideal time for the annual boiler service — technicians are less busy and response times are shorter.

• Annual boiler service: schedule between May and August when demand is low.
• If you go away for more than two weeks, activate the frost protection mode on your thermostat (around 10°C) to protect pipes.
• Close blinds and shutters during the day to limit overheating in sun-facing rooms.
• Check the heating circuit pressure (ideally between 1.5 and 2 bar when cold).

Autumn (September – November): restart and new schedule

This is the most important time of year for your heating. A good autumn programme means savings all winter. Restart heating when outdoor temperatures consistently drop below 12°C.

• Test the heating before the first hard frosts (ideally in September) to catch any problems early.
• Reprogram the thermostat to match new routines (school term, working from home, etc.).
• Increase gradually to 19 then 20°C over 2 to 3 weeks — never overheat to "warm up" faster, it does not work that way.
• Fit thermal curtains over large glazed areas to reduce heat loss.
• Use our programming calculator to set the optimal schedule around your absences.

Winter (December – February): optimise and protect

In winter, every degree counts. Refer to our ideal temperature per room guide — 20°C in the living room, 16–18°C in bedrooms, no higher.

• Night mode: set 15–17°C from 10 pm to 6 am — you sleep better and save ~7% per degree less.
• Away mode: 14–15°C during working hours. Never drop below 14°C to avoid condensation and mould.
• During very cold spells (below -5°C outside), raise the night setpoint slightly to 17–18°C to compensate for extra heat loss.
• Over the Christmas break: maintain at least 14°C in all occupied rooms.

Automate seasonal changes

A smart thermostat like the Tado V3+ automatically adjusts programming based on outdoor weather and your presence — ideal for managing seasonal transitions without thinking about it. See our smart thermostat comparison to choose the right model.

Frequently asked questions

At what outdoor temperature should I turn on heating?
When outdoor temperatures consistently drop below 12°C (typically mid-October). Check the boiler first and bleed the radiators.

Should I turn off my boiler in summer?
Yes, switch off the heating circuit. Keep hot water running and use the time for the annual service.

What temperature during winter holidays?
Minimum 14°C to prevent frost and mould. 12°C acceptable in unoccupied rooms for stays longer than two weeks.