How Turning Your Boiler Down Can Decrease Your Gas Bill

With energy bills showing no sign of dropping any time soon, you’ve probably been googling how to save on gas.

While some will refuse to put the heating on and instead reach for their Oodie, there is research to suggest that one change in habit could have the potential to you save money on gas bills.

 

Turning Your Boiler Down

 

Sounds simple, right? Most homes have a system whereby their water is heated by the boiler, sent to their radiators and back again in a loop. The heating flow temperature of your boiler is the temperature at which water leaves your boiler. Generally, your boiler’s flow temperature should be between 60°C and 70°C.

Turning the temperature on your boiler down will lower the temperature of the water that is circulated throughout your heating system. This can provide a simple, yet effective way to reduce your energy consumption, whilst also potentially saving you money on your gas bill, because you’ll use less fuel to heat the water. Lowering the temperature of the water in the heating system can also give your boiler a longer life as any strain put on the boiler is then reduced.

 

Is it Effective?

 

While this is an effective step in lowering your energy bills, there is something to consider. Taking this step means it could also take longer to heat your home or achieve hot water as quickly, as the temperature circulating in the system would be lower unless you pre-programme a thermostat. This can then, in turn, increase the amount of fuel you’re using. However, it would still be at a lower level than if your temperature were turned up.

 

Reducing the Flow Rate to Your Boiler

 

To save energy, turning down the temperature of your boiler is the obvious choice. But if yours is already low, reducing the flow rate of your boiler can save money, depending on the type of boiler you have, what you use it for and it’s current flow.

Reducing flow rate means your radiators won’t be as hot to the touch and it’ll take longer for your rooms to get up to temperature. However, if your house is well insulated, your boiler will run more efficiently and you’ll use less energy to achieve the same room temperature, saving precious cash. If your home heats up very quickly when the radiators are on and often overheats, this is a good time to lower your flow rates.

It’s important to note than reducing the flow rate too much can cause problems with the efficiency of your boiler. Plus, if the flow rate is reduced too much, you could have insufficient heat or even cause damage to your property, if the pipes freeze over during the winter.

 

Conventional or System Boiler

 

If you have a conventional or system boiler (one with a separate hot water tank) you should not turn down the boiler temperature to save money. This is because the cylinder has its own thermostat which should be set at around 65°C. If the water doesn’t reach this heat, bacteria that is lurking in the water will not be killed, and could make members of your household ill.

The highest temperature water can reach is limited by the setting on your boiler. If you turn down the flow rate to 60°C or less, it won’t matter if the hot water tank is set to 65°C or more because it will never reach that temperature.

 

Are You Looking to Save Money on Your Gas Bill?

 

Metro Plumb can advise you on the best way to reduce your energy costs, without compromising the performance or safety of your boiler. Boilers should be checked regularly and serviced annually. As a 24/7 plumbing service, we are available to support you with any boiler or gas related concerns around the clock. We also offer all our clients free no obligation quotations and estimates on all plumbing and heating works across the UK.

Found yourself in a plumbing predicament? Call our team of experts on 0808 250 9949 today or make