Octopus Energy has said that adjusting a single setting on your boiler could cut up to £65 from your energy bills, and the change takes only seconds to complete. The advice arrives as households increasingly rely on central heating during the colder months, with many concerned about higher costs.
Setting the Flow Temperature
One of the energy supplier's top money-saving tips is to set the flow temperature on a combi boiler to between 55 and 60 degrees. The company adds that customers can consult Nesta's Money-Saving Boiler walkthrough to see how, depending on the boiler, they could save £65.
According to Nesta, reducing the flow temperature to 60°C puts the boiler into condensing mode. In this mode, the boiler recovers heat that would otherwise be lost and runs more efficiently, which reduces the amount of gas needed to heat the home, saving energy and money.
What to Expect After the Change
The guide notes that as the boiler heats water in radiators to around 60°C, the radiators may feel cooler than before, which is normal. Rooms may take slightly longer to heat up, and this can be addressed by setting the heating to start 15-30 minutes earlier than usual.
Boiler flow temperatures are typically set by default between 75 and 80°C. Installers often set them high to heat homes quickly, but this stops condensing boilers from operating at peak efficiency. The Energy Saving Trust advises homeowners to adjust settings gradually and ensure heating controls are set up correctly before making changes, adding that some trial-and-error may be needed.
Electric Blanket Giveaway
In related news, Octopus has confirmed it is again giving away electric blankets to customers in need. The company said it aims to support customers most in need, particularly those with specific vulnerabilities and medical needs, and urged those who could afford to buy their own blanket to do so.
Research cited by Octopus found that blankets cost about £50 and could save a typical home about £300 compared with keeping the heating on constantly. The scheme began when an Octopus employee calculated that heating a whole home cost about £4 a day, while an energy-efficient electric blanket could heat a person for just 2-4p an hour.
To receive a blanket, customers must apply to the Octo Assist fund, and a decision is typically made within about a week.
