Learn to set the time, heating schedule and target temperature on your programmer and thermostat, then test it all works.
HP-01Work out what kind of system you haveLook at your boiler and find any wall-mounted programmer, timer or room thermostat. Most homes have either a simple timer with a dial, a digital programmer with buttons, or a smart thermostat with an app. Check the boiler for a model name and take a photo of it, and note whether the programmer is plugged into the mains or runs on batteries.
HP-02Find the instruction manualSearch online for the make and model you found, or check the boiler cupboard for a paper manual. Every programmer works slightly differently, so this saves guesswork later. If you cannot find one, take clear photos of the buttons and any small icons on the display.
HP-03Check the power supplyIf the programmer runs on batteries, open the battery cover and check they are not old or leaking. Replace them now if you are not sure how old they are, so you do not lose your settings partway through. If it runs on mains power, make sure it has not lost power recently, as this often resets the clock.
HP-04Set the correct time and dayUse the manual to find the time and day setting. Most programmers need you to hold a button and use up/down arrows to set the hour, minute and day of the week. Get this right first, because every heating schedule is built around it.
HP-05Set your heating on and off timesChoose one or two blocks per day when you want heating on, for example 6:30am to 8:30am and 5pm to 10pm. Enter these using the programme or timer setting on your unit. If your programmer allows different weekday and weekend schedules, set those separately to match your routine.
HP-06Set the target temperature on the room thermostatFind the room thermostat, usually a separate dial or digital unit on a wall away from radiators and direct sunlight. Set it to around 18-21°C as a starting point, which is a comfortable and efficient range for most UK homes. The heating will switch off once the room reaches this temperature, even during an 'on' period.
HP-07Set hot water timing separately if you have a cylinderIf you have a hot water cylinder rather than a combi boiler, your programmer will have a separate hot water schedule. Set this to give you hot water for an hour before you usually wash up or shower, both morning and evening. Combi boilers heat water on demand, so you can skip this step entirely.
HP-08Test the whole systemTurn the programmer to 'on' or wait for the next scheduled period to start. Check the boiler fires up within a few minutes and that radiators around the house start to feel warm at the bottom first. Turn the thermostat down low to check the boiler switches off, then set it back to your chosen temperature.
HP-09Note your settings and tidy upWrite down your final time settings and target temperature somewhere handy, like a note on the fridge or in your phone. This saves time if the power cuts out and resets the clock later. Put the manual back in the boiler cupboard for next time.