Simple one-minute 'sofa trick' cuts energy bills and doesn't cost a penny

As energy bills are expected to rise, an expert warns that a simple sofa placement mistake could cost you hundreds.

As Britain heads into autumn, households are once again preparing to keep the chill at bay. Unfortunately, Ofgem’s new price cap, which takes effect from October 1, will push the average dual-fuel bill from £1,720 to around £1,755 a year. While a relatively modest rise, it’s one that many families are likely to feel.

However, it turns out there is one unlikely factor that many overlook that could be making the situation worse. According to an energy expert, where you choose to position your sofa could potentially add hundreds to your heating bill.

Energy expert Matt Oberle from Utility Rates says that while there are plenty of complex ways to cut household energy costs, one of the most effective fixes takes just a minute and doesn’t cost a penny – simply moving your sofa away from the radiator.

Matt explained: "People don’t often think about it, but the way heat moves through a room is as much about physics as it is about boiler settings."

He continued: "Radiators work by heating the air directly around them, and that warm air rises and circulates throughout the room. If you’ve got a large object, like a sofa, pressed against the radiator, you’re essentially blocking that convective airflow.

"The heat is absorbed into the furniture rather than being distributed evenly, which forces your system to work harder to reach the set temperature."

He added that the effect can be more pronounced depending on the type of sofa. He said: "Dense, dark fabrics such as leather or thick upholstery act like heat sponges. They soak up the energy your boiler is generating and hold it in the material, instead of letting it move into the living space. From an efficiency perspective, it’s a complete waste."

According to Matt, shifting the sofa just a small distance can make a notable impact. "You don’t need to redesign the entire room. Moving it 30 or 40 centimetres away is usually enough to restore proper circulation," he saikd.

He added: “Once the warm air has the space to rise and circulate freely, your thermostat won’t need to call for as much energy, which directly translates into lower bills.”

The hack, Matt explained, isn’t just about cost savings. “When a radiator is constantly heating the back of a sofa, you’re exposing the fabric and frame to prolonged high temperatures,” he said.

“That accelerates wear and tear, dries out materials, and in extreme cases can pose a fire risk. By allowing the radiator to do its job properly, you’re also protecting your furniture investment.”

Matt explained that the principle is backed by basic thermodynamics. “Central heating systems are designed with the expectation of free airflow. Any obstruction interferes with heat transfer efficiency.

“A boiler running longer cycles to compensate for trapped heat isn’t just more expensive, it’s also less sustainable. At scale, even small inefficiencies like this contribute to higher overall energy consumption.”