As winter tightens its grip and households brace for soaring heating costs, a simple adjustment to a common household appliance could provide immediate financial relief. Experts have pinpointed a rapid, cost-free change that can make a significant dent in your energy expenditure.
The Quick-Fix Boiler Adjustment
According to Hudson Lambert, an energy expert with waterproofing brand Stormdry, one of the fastest ways to cut costs is by targeting your boiler directly. For the millions of homes with a combi boiler, he advises a specific tweak: try lowering the flow temperature to 50 degrees Celsius.
This adjustment, which takes mere moments, doesn't reduce the warmth you feel from your radiators. Instead, it works by ensuring water returns to the boiler at a lower temperature. "This means that more energy is extracted from the gas that is burnt to heat the water," Lambert explains. The result is a more efficient system that burns less gas for the same level of comfort, translating directly into lower bills.
Empowering Measures and DIY Draught-Proofing
Lambert also strongly recommends taking control of your consumption by having a smart meter installed, a service typically offered for free by energy providers. This device provides real-time data on your energy use, empowering you to identify and alter the habits of your most power-hungry appliances.
Beyond the boiler, several straightforward DIY tasks can combat a major source of heat loss: draughts. Gaps around doors and windows allow precious warmth to escape, forcing your heating system to work harder. A cheap and effective solution is to apply self-adhesive foam draught excluder to seal these culprit frames.
Further simple steps include:
- Turning off appliances like TVs and monitors completely, rather than leaving them on standby.
- Using major appliances during off-peak times, such as evenings or weekends.
- Sticking reflective foil behind radiators to bounce heat back into the room.
Upgrading Your Home's Defence Against the Cold
For those looking to make a more substantial impact, the condition of your home's insulation is critical. Lambert highlights a lesser-known but highly effective tip: waterproofing external walls. Wet brick, stone, and mortar are poor insulators, but waterproofed walls can lose up to 4 degrees Celsius less heat than untreated ones.
This process not only reduces heat loss but also protects any existing insulation, ensuring it works at peak efficiency. The method involves checking for cracks, repointing if needed, and applying a breathable waterproofing masonry cream to create a water-repellent layer. "It’s also ideal for older homes where insulation measures are a challenge to add," notes Lambert.
With energy prices remaining a pressing concern, these expert-backed strategies—from a 30-second boiler tweak to more involved property maintenance—offer practical pathways to greater efficiency and considerable savings during the coldest months.
