Brits looking to drop their bills may be missing a simple switch that could save a hefty sum on their energy use without changing their home’s temperature. Experts at iHeat explained the potential £13 a month savings for putting your boiler in “condensing mode”.
Most boilers are set at a default high flow temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius. The default ensures your boiler is able to heat up quickly but also lets excess heat, which you may be paying for, escape through the boiler flue.
The experts noted this is particularly likely if your boiler flue seems to be constantly releasing steam. Heating Engineer Stephen Day explained you can stop this by simply lowering the flow temperature of your boiler to 60 degrees Celsius.
He shared: “Lowering the flow temperature of your boiler is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve boiler efficiency. It’s a quick adjustment that can save energy and money without sacrificing home comfort.”
Turning your boiler’s flow temperature down to 60 degrees Celsius can put it into condensing mode and save up to £163 a year for the average household, according to the experts. This doesn’t affect temperatures on your thermostat but might mean it takes longer for your radiators to heat up.
However, there is one major warning the experts issued to anyone with a boiler connected to a hot water tank. Day urged: “If your boiler is connected to a hot water tank, consult a professional before making this change to avoid unintended issues.”
If your boiler isn’t connected to a hot water tank, you don’t need any specialists or tools to change the flow temperature. Day explained it takes three simple steps and a matter of seconds to cut down on this heat loss.
First, you’ll need to locate the flow temperature control. The expert explained: “Find the dial or digital setting on your boiler panel, often marked with a radiator symbol.”
Adjust this dial to around 60 degrees Celsius if it has numbers. If it doesn’t have numbers, Day recommended using the midpoint of the dial as a general guide.
Once you’ve changed this setting, which should shave around 9% off your energy bill, keep an eye on your heating. You can adjust it accordingly if you feel you need to.
British Gas has also recently released similar guidance to cut down bills. It recommended reducing your boiler flow temperature to between 55 and 60 degrees to save £65 a year on your gas bill.