I’m a heating expert and here are 3 simple hacks to try now to save money on energy bills this winter
While September brought us Brits a well overdue heatwave, the sad truth is that the best of summer weather is now almost certainly behind us.
And although autumn is charming in its own way, the transitional months of October and November when temperatures cool significantly are a cause for concern for every household that has energy bills to pay.
And now a British heating expert has revealed three simple hacks to help you save money on your energy bill.
Charles Ross of Airgon Technologies explained how Britons can get through the cold season more comfortably.
He told FEMAIL how small changes now could help to reduce worries about the cost of switching on the heating when the cold weather arrives.
1. Lower your boiler flow temperature
Charles explained that lowering your boiler flow temperature could help to save costs in the long run.
The flow temperature is the temperature your boiler heats the water to before sending it off to your radiators.
He said: ‘When first installed, many gas boilers are initially set up to operate at what is called 80/60 flow and return temperatures. This means the boiler heats up the water to 80°C.
‘These initial settings could actually limit the boiler condensing capabilities, so it’s always worth turning the flow temperature down to 60°C for an average household, or 50°C for modern,well-insulated properties.’
Lower temperatures will maximise the condensation in your boiler, leading to more efficient heating and, ultimately, reduced energy bills.
Most boilers have two dials, one for radiators and one for water. To adjust the flow temperature simply turn down the radiator dial.
Remember never to turn the boiler flow temperature below 50°C as anything lower could increase the risk of bacteria and germs, such as Legionnaires.
2. Don’t turn off radiators
Charles explained that radiators should never be turned off as it’s less energy efficient.
He revealed: ‘Whilst generally we think switching items off when not in use saves energy (such as plug sockets, and appliances), turning off your radiators completely is actually less energy efficient.
‘Turning radiators off completely is less energy efficient as it means the boiler has to work harder to maintain the temperature of a room than if kept at a low setting.
‘Turning them off can also cause numerous issues with mould and dampness, especially if drying clothes inside.’
Instead, it’s recommended to keep the radiators on – but on a low setting.
The minimum recommended temperature indoors is 18°C, which is usually number two or three on your radiator valves.
It’s worth remembering that some people, including those with medical conditions and children under five, are more vulnerable to the cold, so temperatures may need to be altered to keep them safe.
3. Check for cold spots
Cold spots occur when air gets trapped in radiators or due to a build up of sludge, both of which prevent the flow of water transferring heating into the room.
Over time, more and more air and sludge accumulates in the radiators meaning that the boiler has to work harder.
Charles explained: ‘The radiator will then need to be bled, or at worst, the entire heating system may need a power flush, which can cost anywhere from £350 – £800, on average.
‘It’s better to identify any cold spots during the warmer months, when households aren’t as dependent on their heating and radiators, as opposed to in winter.’
For those that aren’t confident bleeding radiators themselves, it can cost up to £100 for a call-out, so instead Charles suggests installing a device to stop corrosion inside the radiators. .
These can often mean that the radiators will not need to be bled at all and, as a result, efficiency is increased by as much as 30 per cent.
