The Department keeps abreast of published research relevant to this question as well as carrying out its own field trials of energy saving measures in homes. Heating controls in homes can save energy and thereby reduce carbon dioxide emissions if they allow the occupants to maintain comfort by not heating the home (or part of the home) when this is not needed. However, recent field evidence indicates that these controls make little difference and may not save energy or reduce emissions as they are not used as intended. We will be working with the industry and researchers to understand how heating controls could be better designed and deployed to deliver energy savings.