UK households with a boiler are being urged to make a 60-second change to slash up to £163 a year off their energy bills.
Wintry conditions saw temperatures plummet as low as -7C in parts of the UK over the weekend and with cold conditions forecast to continue throughout the week, it means households are feeling the strain of higher heating bills.
But what people may not realise is one simple adjustment to the flow temperature of your boiler can actually save you £65 in just seconds.
Most boilers are set to a high flow temperature of 70C to 80C by default, and while this setting ensures fast heating, it wastes energy as excess heat escapes through the boiler flue.
But if you lower the flow temperature to 60C, boilers can operate in “condensing mode” which is more efficient as it recovers heat that would otherwise be lost. This adjustment also doesn’t reduce the thermostat’s set temperature, although it means your radiators may take slightly longer to warm up.
According to boiler experts, turning the flow temperature down to 60C can slash your energy bills by as much as 9%, giving UK households an average saving of around £163 per year – or £13 per month.
Stephen Day, a Heating Engineer at iHeat, explains: “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.
“Adjusting your boiler’s flow temperature is quick and straightforward and you don’t need specialist tools or expertise – just a few minutes and a simple adjustment.
“To adjust your flow temperature, locate the Flow Temperature Control – find the dial or digital setting on your boiler panel, often marked with a radiator symbol.
“Adjust the Temperature. If the control has numbers set it to 60C, if no numbers are shown use the midpoint as a general guide.
“Monitor Your Heating. Check your home’s warmth and adjust slightly if needed. If your boiler is connected to a hot water tank, consult a professional before making this change to avoid unintended issues.”
