As a deep freeze grips the nation, bringing snow and ice to many areas, households are being given counter-intuitive advice: turn your boiler's heating setting down, not up. The move, championed by energy experts and savvy homeowners alike, promises to improve efficiency and save money without leaving you in the cold.
The Reddit revelation that challenges common sense
With energy bills a persistent worry, many have turned to social media for cost-cutting tips. One woman took to Reddit with a "public service announcement" after scrutinising her boiler manual. Her post, titled "PSA: Turn your boiler’s heating temperature DOWN, not up", argued that most combi boilers operate more efficiently at lower flow temperatures.
She explained that if a heating system cycles on and off to maintain a set room temperature, the flow temperature can often be safely reduced. On her own Worcester boiler, she turned the heating knob down to between three and four, which her manual indicated would mean water leaving the boiler at around 55 degrees Celsius.
Why lower temperatures can mean higher efficiency
Energy expert Gordon Wallis from UK fuel distributor Your NRG strongly supports this approach. He notes that a common error is running a boiler's flow temperature higher than necessary, with many factory-set between 70 and 80 degrees.
"Lowering the boiler flow temperature to around 60 degrees can still heat your home effectively while reducing the strain on the boiler," Wallis advised. "It can also extend its lifespan and help reduce heating costs. The home will not feel colder, but it may heat up more gradually."
This advice is primarily for homes with combi boilers, which heat water on demand. Households with traditional tank systems should consult a qualified engineer before making changes.
Additional steps to maximise warmth for less
Beyond adjusting the boiler, Wallis recommends several low-cost measures to help a home feel warmer without touching the thermostat. These include:
- Bleeding radiators to release trapped air that blocks heat.
- Moving furniture away from radiators to allow heat to circulate freely.
- Fitting reflective panels behind radiators to direct more heat into the room.
As winter tightens its grip, these practical tips offer a way to combat the chill while keeping a firmer grip on household finances. The key message for shivering Britons is clear: sometimes, less boiler power really is more.
