We all want to save money on our heating bills, but not at the cost of reduced comfort or expensive short-term techniques. Summer is the best time to evaluate your central heating system, and by getting ahead of the game, you can increase your system’s efficiency in time for the colder autumn and winter months.
By following these simple tips and tricks from PlumbNation, you can save those pounds and stay warm all year round.
#1 Control your thermostat efficiently.
An excessive heating bill can be easily rectified with the ‘stepdown’ challenge. By turning your heating down by just 1°C, you can save up to 10% on your heating bill. The typical heating range is between 18- 21°C… so why don’t you see how low you can go?
It is also important to avoid classic thermostat ‘faux pas’. Contrary to popular belief, it is not cost-effective to constantly leave on your heating on at a low temperature throughout the summer. Another big heating ‘no-no’ is turning up your thermostat to heat up a room quicker. This method won’t speed up the heating process and will only increase the energy bill!
For less frequented rooms, make sure to use Thermostatic Radiator Valves to control the flow of hot water to the radiators. These control the overall temperature of the room and can be adjusted to reduce the cost of heating unused spaces.
#2 Invest in a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats are brilliant money-saving options for the cost-conscious homeowner, and they can save you up to £150 a year on your heating. They connect to your home’s internet and give you the luxury of controlling your heating from your smartphone, tablet or desktop. Smart thermostats are perfect for maximising parental control, and you can see if your children are cranking up the heating when you are away! The Nest Learning Thermostat even detects when no-one is home and will switch off the heating accordingly.
Designed to stop you spending more than you have to, smart thermostats provide energy usage reports so you can use the data to optimise your consumption. Within two years, you are likely to make your money back on your purchase.
#3 Clean your central heating system.
To boost the efficiency of your heating and to prevent a costly boiler breakdown, clean your heating system with the correct water treatment chemicals. Water treatment chemicals will extend your boiler’s life span beyond the expected 12-15 years and can save you up to 15% on your gas bills.
Ask your installer to carry out an effective powerflush to cleanse the entire system, and install a boiler filter to safeguard your heating from any future debris build-up. These preventative measures may cost in the short term, but they will lower your energy bills and reduce the need to replace your boiler or system components in the long term.
#4 Upgrade to an A- rated boiler
Is your boiler nearing the end of its lifespan? Consider investing in an A-rated condensing boiler. The cost of a new boiler may put you off, but it is the fraction of the price for running an inefficient system. An A-rated condensing boiler can save you up £310 extra a year on heating costs. Over 10-15 years, this can save you £3,100 – £4,650 extra in heating costs.
For homeowners that are happy with their existing boiler, adding a cylinder thermostat will reduce the cost of your heating bill. Set it to 60°C, and when the hot water cylinder has reached the required temperature, your boiler will rest and less energy is used.
#5 Check the efficiency of your radiators.
The efficiency of your heating greatly depends on your radiator output. Too large a radiator will increase bills unnecessarily; whilst too small a radiator will constantly be running at maximum. Use PlumbNation’s BTU Calculator to ensure your room is being heated comfortably and cheaply.
There you have it – cheaper heating bills in 5 easy steps!
This is such a useful post, there are so many easy and useful ways to save money on a heating bill. One the best is to get a smart thermostat; how many times have you left the heating running because the switch is upstairs and it slipped your mind? Having an easy access thermostat will make you way more conscious about the temperature of your house and allow you to control is as you like with no fuss or faff! It’s also one of the cheapest changes you can make to your heating, as it doesn’t involve any new installations and can be set up very quickly!