Programmers
Set your programmer to control both your heating and hot water heating times to suit you and your lifestyle. If you are out during the day, only have it come on in the morning and in the evening.
Room thermostat
These should be positioned where they won’t be affected by adverse heat/chills from fires, radiators, cat-flaps e.t.c.
Thermostatic radiator valves (T.R.V.)
These are located (if you have them) on one side of your radiators. These control the temperature of your rooms individually. They generally have numbers (1-5) or roman numerals (i-v) on the head. Set these midway to start with and adjust as uyou feel a room needs more or less heat.