We challenged ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot to build a smart schedule for a typical UK home.
The results were enlightening – and surprisingly different.
Is AI more energy efficient than you!?!
As smart thermostats and radiator valves become more common in UK homes, many of us are starting to ask the big question – How do I actually get the most out of them?
With energy bills still high and rising, and heating systems smarter than ever, the potential for efficiency is massive.
At BestHeating, we decided to put three of the world’s leading AI tools to the test, to see if they could help.
We gave ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot the same brief – build the ideal weekday and weekend heating schedule for a modern UK household using smart thermostats and TRVs (except in the bathroom, of course).
Each AI produced a different plan – and some made smarter decisions than others.
The setup
To keep things consistent and realistic – well, as “realistic” as you can when you’re using an AI tool! – we used the following household profile –
- Home type – 3-bedroom semi-detached UK home
- Occupants – 2 adults (1 hybrid worker), 1 toddler (nursery weekdays), 1 cat
- Heating – Smart thermostat and TRVs on all radiators except the bathroom
- Insulation – Moderate
Heating goal – Balance comfort and energy savings through smart zoning
The prompt
To keep things fair, we gave each AI tool the exact same brief –
“Create an efficient heating schedule for a typical 3-bedroom UK home with smart thermostats and TRVs in each room (except the bathroom). The household includes two adults (one hybrid worker), a toddler (at nursery during weekdays), and a cat. The home has moderate insulation. Provide a weekday and weekend schedule with room-by-room temperatures by time of day. Focus on balancing energy efficiency with comfort. Highlight how smart scheduling and zoning should be used in this context.”
To get an accurate reflection of how each AI would respond to an everyday user, we ran the prompt using unconnected, clean accounts – not tied to anyone at BestHeating or any previous search history.
This ensured a neutral baseline with no brand, location or preference bias in the results.
The results - How each AI scheduled the heat
Here’s how the three AI tools approached the same weekday challenge –
| Time Slot | Room | ChatGPT | Gemini | Copilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:30–08:30 | Living Room | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C |
| Kitchen | 20°C | 19°C | 19°C | |
| Bedrooms | 18°C (adults) / 20°C (toddler) | 18°C / 20°C | 19°C / 19°C | |
| Bathroom | 22°C | 19°C | 21°C | |
| Home Office | 16°C | 15°C | 16°C | |
| 09:00–16:00 | Living Room | 17°C | 17°C | 16°C |
| Home Office | 20°C (WFH) | 20°C (WFH) | 20°C (WFH) | |
| Bedrooms | 15–16°C | 15°C | 16°C | |
| Bathroom | 16°C | 15°C | 18°C | |
| 17:00–20:30 | Living Room | 21°C | 21°C | 20°C |
| Kitchen | 21°C | 20°C | 19°C | |
| Bedrooms | 17–18°C | 15–16°C | 19°C | |
| Toddler Room | 20°C | 20°C | 19°C | |
| Bathroom | 22°C | 18°C | 21°C | |
| Night (23:00+) | Whole Home | 15–17°C | 15–17°C | 16–17°C |
Observations and patterns
ChatGPT - Smart and balanced
ChatGPT offered the most holistic plan, integrating clear zones and pre-heating logic.
It uses –
- Pre-warm routines before wake-up and dinner
- Lower background temperatures for stability
- Higher toddler room temps overnight
- Smart zoning suggestions by activity
The verdict?
ChatGPT offers the ideal blend of energy-saving logic and real-life comfort.
Gemini - Energy-first thinking
Gemini prioritised energy efficiency, with consistently lower target temps in unoccupied rooms –
- Lower bathroom and kitchen settings
- Strict setbacks for adult bedrooms
- Strong zoning rationale explained clearly
The verdict?
Good for households highly focused on saving energy - but may feel cool in winter.
Copilot - Comfort-heavy with familiarity
Copilot’s plan mimics what many people already do manually –
- Consistently warm bedrooms and living areas
- High evening and morning comfort
- Less aggressive setback usage
The verdict?
Familiar and comfortable, but likely the least efficient of the three.
So, what do we think?
We shared the results with our team.
Here’s their take on the results –
“ChatGPT came closest to how we’d recommend using smart controls in a family home. It balances room-specific comfort with strategic energy-saving steps like setback temperatures and workday zoning. Gemini's plan is great if you're maximising efficiency, but it may underheat some areas. Copilot’s version is friendly and warm, but less smart overall.”
Smart heating takeaways
Across all three plans, the following best practices emerged –
- Use TRVs to zone each room – Keep living spaces warm during peak use and lower temperatures elsewhere.
- Pre-heat key areas – Boost heating slightly before morning and evening routines.
- Setback during sleep and absence – Reduce to 15–17°C when no one’s home or overnight.
- No TRVs in bathrooms – Control bathrooms centrally and time boosts around use (e.g. toddler bath time or morning showers).
- Set the home office apart – Only heat when in use – this can vary daily with hybrid working.
Which AI did it best?
| Criteria | ChatGPT | Gemini | Copilot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | High | Very High | Medium |
| Comfort | High | Moderate | High |
| Smart Zoning Use | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Pre-Heating Logic | Strong | Medium | Medium |
| Overall Practicality | Best Mix | Good for Energy | Familiar |
ChatGPT
Providing the smartest, most adaptable schedule based on modern smart heating systems and real-life family dynamics.
Want to set your own smart schedule?
Take inspiration from AI and apply it using our smart heating range –
- Smart Thermostats & TRVs
- Zoned Heating Control Kits
- Electric heaters – ceramic core and dry thermal
- Electric designer radiators – modern connected heating solutions
Whether you want AI efficiency or hands-on control, BestHeating has the products to help you stay warm, smart, and in control.
Read more about energy efficiency
Looking for more energy-efficient advice? Check out the guides below from our expert BestHeating team.
Smart heating controls: How automation can improve efficiency
Discover how smart thermostats and zoning systems improve efficiency and comfort.
The best times to use your heating
Learn when to heat your home efficiently for maximum comfort and lower bills — including morning warm-ups and evening cool-downs.
Ultimate guide to energy efficient heating
Discover how to improve efficiency, save money, and make your home more sustainable with our complete heating efficiency guide.
Final thoughts
AI won’t take over your boiler controls any time soon – but it can help you think differently about heating your home.
From smarter setback temperatures to better timing, the right smart heating plan could save you anywhere between 15–25% on your energy bills.
With systems that learn, adapt, and schedule based on your day-to-day life, you don’t need to be a tech expert – just a little smarter about your warmth.
“It’s amazing how different the AIs approached comfort vs. cost. Do you trust AI to manage your home heating yet? Let me know in the comments!
John Lawless is SEO Manager at BestHeating and a recognised expert in home heating. With over a decade of experience in the industry, he blends technical insight with practical advice on everything from energy efficiency to radiator design, and more. John’s work has featured in national media and leading home & garden publications, and he leads the editorial strategy for the BestHeating Advice Centre – helping homeowners make smarter heating choices with confidence.
