A Which? expert has warned that a common boiler setting, often left too high, could be wasting households hundreds of pounds a year on energy bills. The problem can be fixed in seconds without professional help.
The most common heating mistake
In an Instagram post, the Which? expert described the issue as one of the "most common heating mistakes" Brits make without realising its impact on their bills. The clip showed steam billowing from a boiler flue, described as the instant telltale sign it is working too hard.
They said: "If you have a combi condenser boiler, did you know you could instantly lower your gas bill just by turning down your boiler's flow temperature?"
How to fix it
Which? suggests that "most people" set the water temperature at 70 or 80°C as it leaves the boiler and travels to the radiators. In reality, households could save energy by reducing the temperature to 60°C.
This is not the same as the room temperature, which is controlled via a thermostat. If your rooms are set to reach, for example, 21°C, they will still do so — it may simply take a little longer. The Which? expert added: "The lower flow temperature makes the boiler more efficient, spewing less wasted heat out of the flue."
For those with a combi condensing boiler, head to the front panel. Depending on the model you own, the display will appear slightly different, though most models feature a screen, button, or dial to adjust the flow temperature.
According to guidance from Which?, to ensure you are adjusting the correct setting, look for "a little picture of a radiator" alongside it. The other dial is marked with a tap or shower symbol and controls the temperature of your domestic hot water. Before making any changes, it is a good idea to take a photo or note down your current temperature setting, so you can adjust back to it should you need to.
