As winter's chill sets in and energy bills remain stubbornly high, millions of British households are facing the annual dilemma: stay warm or save money? But what if you could do both?
Energy experts have revealed a simple boiler adjustment that could slash your heating costs by up to £112 annually - and it takes less than five minutes to implement.
The Secret Setting Hiding in Plain Sight
The key lies in your boiler's flow temperature - the temperature at which water leaves your boiler to heat your radiators. Most combi boilers are factory-set between 75°C and 80°C, but reducing this to 60°C for heating could save the average household between 6-8% on their gas bill.
"Many people don't realise their boiler is working harder than necessary," explains an energy efficiency specialist. "By simply turning down the flow temperature, you're not reducing your home's warmth - you're making your system more efficient."
Why This Simple Switch Works
Lower flow temperatures allow your boiler to operate in condensing mode more effectively, capturing heat that would otherwise escape through the flue. This means:
- Your boiler works more efficiently
- You use less gas for the same level of comfort
- Your system experiences less strain and wear
Most modern combi boilers have separate controls for heating and hot water flow temperatures, so you can maintain hotter water for showers while optimising heating efficiency.
Additional Heating Hacks for Maximum Savings
Beyond the boiler adjustment, several other strategies can compound your savings:
Bleed Your Radiators
Air trapped in your heating system reduces efficiency. If you notice cold spots at the top of your radiators, it's time to bleed them. This simple maintenance task ensures heat distributes evenly throughout your home.
Embrace the Thermostat
Reducing your room thermostat by just one degree could save approximately £115 per year. Program your heating to match your household's schedule rather than leaving it on constant.
Smart Heating Controls
Investing in smart thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves allows for room-by-room temperature control, ensuring you only heat the spaces you're using.
The Comfort Conundrum: Will You Feel the Difference?
Many homeowners worry that lower flow temperatures mean colder homes, but the opposite is often true. Lower temperature systems provide more consistent, gentle heat that many find more comfortable than the intense blast-and-coast cycle of higher temperature settings.
Your radiators might feel less scorching to the touch, but they'll maintain warmth for longer periods, creating a more stable indoor environment.
As energy prices continue to squeeze household budgets, these simple adjustments represent immediate relief without significant investment or lifestyle changes. The heating revolution might not be in fancy new technology, but in smarter use of what we already have.
