As energy costs rise, it’s crucial to find effective ways to reduce your home heating expenses. Here are 8 effective strategies to help you achieve significant savings:
- Understand Your Boiler Type: Identify whether you have a combination boiler or a standard boiler with a hot water cylinder.
If you have a combination boiler, look for how to change or set your hot water flow temperature. Most combination boilers come pre-set with the hot water set to 50 degrees Celsius, which may be too hot for your needs. By reducing your combination boiler’s hot water flow temperature down to 40 degrees Celsius, you’ll help move that boiler into condensing mode. This could save up to 8% on hot water bills alone.If you have a standard boiler with a hot water cylinder, you’ll want to test your hot water thermostats. These can fall out of sync over time, meaning your hot water may be heating up to 70 degrees Celsius when you think it’s set to 55 degrees Celsius. Adjust your hot water thermostat down until you either reach 50 degrees Celsius or just over 50 degrees Celsius. Below 50 degrees Celsius, you risk legionella, and above 60 degrees Celsius, you risk scalding. - Adjust Hot Water Flow Temperature: For combination boilers, lower the hot water flow temperature from the pre-set 50 degrees Celsius to around 40 degrees Celsius. This change can promote condensing mode, leading to up to 8% savings on hot water bills. Be cautious with mixer taps as lower temperatures may affect their performance.
- Test and Set Hot Water Thermostats: If you have a standard boiler, check and adjust your hot water thermostat. Aim for a temperature just above 50 degrees Celsius to prevent legionella while avoiding scalding risks. This adjustment can lead to up to 15% savings due to reduced heat loss.
- Insulate Your Hot Water Cylinder and Pipework: Ensure your hot water cylinder, especially if it’s an older copper type, is well insulated with blankets or jackets. Also, cover all pipework in the area, including elbows, to conserve heat. This can result in up to 40% savings on your hot water bill.
- Time Your Hot Water Usage: Instead of leaving your hot water heated continuously, time it for a couple of one-hour periods each day. This reduces heat loss from the cylinder and boiler cycling, potentially saving up to 15%.
- Install Flow Restrictors: Fit flow restrictors to showers and aerators to taps. This not only conserves water but also reduces the heat and gas required to warm the water, leading to up to 35% savings.
- Optimize Condensing Boiler Performance: For both standard and combination boilers, lower the boiler’s flow temperature. Regularly adjust this temperature to the minimum necessary throughout the year. This step can save approximately 6% on heating for standard boilers and an additional 9% for combination boilers.
- Implement Room Control: Utilize a programmable thermostat for better control over your heating and hot water, leading to up to 15% savings. Also, ensure that doors and windows are closed to prevent heat loss.
By applying these tips, you can effectively manage your home’s heating system and potentially save up to 50% on your heating bill. Remember, small changes can lead to significant savings over time.