A quick check of your boiler settings can reduce the energy you use, according to Adam Knight, lead engineer at heating and cooling specialists BOXT. As cold weather sets in, he advises spending five minutes familiarising yourself with your boiler controls.
Five minutes on your boiler controls
Knight said: "Most of us learn how to turn the heating on and leave the rest of the buttons well alone. But spending five minutes getting familiar with your controls can help you spot settings that don’t suit your routine."
He highlighted several controls worth understanding: your programmer, which decides when heating is on; flow-temperature control, which sets how hot the water gets before reaching radiators—different from the wall thermostat setting; and radiator valves, which help regulate individual rooms.
Understanding the eco button
Knight pointed to the 'eco' setting on many combi boilers, which controls the hot-water preheat function. Preheat keeps part of the boiler warm so hot water reaches taps more quickly. He explained: "That convenience uses energy, and can explain why you hear the boiler firing even when the heating is off and nobody's running a tap."
How eco mode works depends on the model, so he advises reading the instructions for your specific device. He said: "On models where eco mode switches preheat off, the boiler heats your hot water when you ask for it instead. You may wait a little longer for the tap to run hot, but you reduce the energy used to keep it ready throughout the day."
Smart thermostat vs smart meter
Knight also clarified a common confusion: "A smart thermostat controls your heating; a smart meter records energy use and normally sends readings to your supplier. Its separate in-home display helps you keep an eye on consumption and estimated spending."
He recommends using the smart meter display to understand your habits: "When does usage rise, and does it match what’s happening in the house? It can help you spot waste, but it won't save money by itself—and setting a budget on the screen doesn't put a spending limit on your bill."
