A quick adjustment to your boiler could potentially save UK households up to £163 a year on their energy bills, according to experts. Most boilers are set at a default high flow temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius. While this high temperature allows for quick heating, it also leads to excess heat escaping through the boiler flue, resulting in unnecessary costs for homeowners. By lowering the flow temperature to 60 degrees Celsius and putting the boiler into “condensing mode,” households could see significant savings without compromising on home comfort.
Heating Engineer Stephen Day highlighted the simplicity and effectiveness of this adjustment, stating that it is one of the easiest ways to enhance boiler efficiency. By making this change, households could potentially save around £13 a month, equating to £163 annually for the average household. It’s important to note that lowering the flow temperature won’t affect the temperature settings on your thermostat but may require your radiators to take a bit longer to heat up. However, if your boiler is connected to a hot water tank, it is crucial to seek professional advice before making any changes to avoid unintended complications.
Changing the flow temperature of your boiler to around 60 degrees Celsius is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any special tools or expertise. According to Day, it only involves three simple steps and a matter of seconds to reduce heat loss. First, locate the flow temperature control on your boiler panel, typically marked with a radiator symbol. Adjust this setting to 60 degrees Celsius if it has numerical markings, or use the midpoint of the dial as a reference if there are no numbers indicated. This adjustment is estimated to reduce energy bills by approximately 9%, providing tangible savings for households.
Experts at British Gas have also endorsed similar guidance to help consumers lower their gas bills. By recommending a boiler flow temperature between 55 and 60 degrees, British Gas anticipates potential savings of £65 per year on gas bills. These suggestions align with the overarching goal of reducing energy consumption and promoting more efficient use of heating systems. By implementing these adjustments, households not only benefit from financial savings but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable environment.
The advice from experts underscores the importance of regular maintenance and optimisation of home heating systems to maximise efficiency and minimise energy wastage. Small changes, such as adjusting the flow temperature on your boiler, can yield significant benefits in terms of cost savings and environmental impact. As consumers become more conscious of their energy usage and its implications, simple yet impactful measures like this can pave the way towards a more sustainable future. The potential for substantial savings through minor adjustments highlights the value of informed decision-making and proactive energy management in households across the UK.