As winter tightens its grip and energy bills continue to cause significant anxiety for households across the UK, a simple solution has emerged that could put hundreds of pounds back into people's pockets. With temperatures dropping, the financial strain of heating our homes is a pressing concern, but staying warm doesn't have to mean breaking the bank.
The One-Switch Solution
According to a report from the Express, specialists at HeatGeek have demonstrated a remarkably straightforward method to achieve substantial savings. In a YouTube video that has attracted thousands of views, the experts revealed that the key to cutting costs lies in adjusting a single dial on your boiler. This quick adjustment, which takes mere seconds to complete, can result in long-term savings of up to £200 a year.
The professional explained the process in clear terms: "If you have a modern boiler - that's any boiler under 20 years old - look for the little radiator symbol, and there should be a dial there." He noted that these dials are often set to inefficiently high temperatures of 70 or 80 degrees Celsius. The recommendation is to reduce this setting to 60 degrees, a change that, while seemingly small, can have a major impact on both your finances and the longevity of your heating system.
How Does It Work?
The dial in question controls the boiler's flow temperature, which determines how hot the water is before it is sent to your radiators. The Energy Saving Trust clarifies the process: "As it flows through the radiators, the water cools before it returns to the boiler. The temperature of the water at this point is the return temperature."
By reducing the flow temperature, you also lower the return temperature. This is crucial because boilers operate more efficiently when the return temperature is low, leading to direct savings on both energy consumption and your monthly bills. This simple act of optimisation makes your entire heating system work smarter, not harder.
Important Considerations Before You Adjust
Before making any changes to your heating system, the specialists advise one quick preparatory step. They suggest taking a photo or noting down the current settings in case you need to revert back to the original configuration. This ensures you have a reference point and can undo the change if necessary.
It is also vital to consider health and safety. The experts caution that reducing the flow temperature too much could pose a risk for elderly individuals or those with underlying health conditions who may require a consistently warmer environment. After making the adjustment, it is important to monitor how your system performs and make any necessary tweaks to ensure your home remains both safe and comfortable.
This small, proactive step represents an empowering way for Brits to take control of their energy usage and mitigate the financial pressures of the colder months, all while potentially extending the life of their boiler.
