To heat your home efficiently, the correct heating controls are as vital as the right kind of boiler. The Energy Saving Trust advise that fitting appropriate heating controls could typically save you around 17% of your heating bill. Additionally they suggest installing a condensing boiler along with a full set of heating controls could save around £275 a year off your heating fuel bill. It is essential that having installed adequate heating controls that they are also used correctly to ensure maximum efficiency. This area of Discounted Heating's Thermostats and Heating Controls section deals specifically with heating time switches and programmers. A heating timer or heating programmer controls when the boiler is able to run.

• Time Switches: Single channel time switches will turn the entire system on or off at the times you require. A seven day heating timer will allow you to set different patterns for weekend use.

• Heating Programmers: A heating programmer will allow you to switch one or more circuits on at times which suit your lifestyle. Most programmers allow you to set preferences, for example to activate heating and hot water systems at varying times to fit in with your requirements.

For a full set of heating controls, a heating timer or heating programmer should be combined with a room thermostat which allows you to set a desired temperature, along with thermostatic radiator valves (TRV's) to give further temperature control in individual rooms. A heating programmer or heating timer used with a room thermostat and TRVs represents the minimum set of heating controls. Alternatively, you can opt for a combined programmable thermostat rather than a separate heating programmer and room thermostat for further regulation of temperature and to maintain efficiency. You will find several brands of programmable room thermostat in our Room Thermostats section. It has been said that a heating system is only as good as the heating controls. In this section we offer time switches and heating programmers from leading heating controls manufacturers such as Danfoss, Honeywell, and Potterton amongst others. It is worth remembering that the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE) recommend seeking expert advice regarding the provision of heating systems and heating controls in your home to be sure you are in line with the latest regulations.