With energy prices on the rise again, making your boiler more efficient is one of the best ways to cut down on heating costs, while still keeping your home warm and cosy. Regular maintenance and a few simple adjustments can improve efficiency, reduce waste and even prolong the lifespan of your heating system. Here are some tips to help you maximise your boiler’s efficiency and lower your energy bills.
1. Bleed Your Radiators Regularly
If your radiators have cold spots or take a long time to heat up, trapped air may be preventing hot water from circulating properly. Bleeding your radiators releases this air, ensuring they heat up evenly and efficiently. To do this:
- Turn off your heating and let the radiators cool.
- Use a radiator key to slowly open the valve at the top of the radiator.
- Allow trapped air to escape (you should hear a hissing sound) until water starts to flow. Have a cloth ready to catch any drops of water.
- Tighten the valve and check the pressure on your boiler (you may need to top it up).
2. Replace Your Radiator Valves
Radiator valves are crucial components of your central heating system. They regulate the flow of hot water into radiators to maintain the desired room temperatures. Upgrading to modern thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) offers enhanced temperature control and energy efficiency by adjusting heat output based on room temperature. A professional boiler installation company should be able to offer expert installation and replacement services for various radiator valve types, including manual valves, TRVs, and smart TRVs.
3. Set Your Thermostat Correctly
Setting your thermostat to the right temperature can make a huge difference to the amount of energy you consume. Many homes set their thermostats too high, wasting energy. The ideal room temperature for most people is around 18-21°C. A programmable thermostat allows you to set heating schedules, ensuring your home is warm when needed and not wasting energy when empty. For example, lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can reduce energy bills by up to 10%.
4. Use Smart Heating Controls
Heating controls can play a big part in energy efficiency. Smart thermostats, such as Nest, Hive, or Bosch Easy Control, allow you to control your heating remotely via smartphone apps. This can be very useful for changing the temperature in your home when you are not there. Smart thermostats can even learn your routine and automatically adjust heating to reduce waste and unnecessary energy use.
5. Service Your Boiler Regularly
An annual boiler service by a Gas Safe engineer ensures your boiler is running efficiently and safely. Regular servicing helps identify issues early, prevents costly breakdowns and ensures your system is operating at optimal performance.
6. Reduce Boiler Flow Temperature
The boiler flow temperature is the temperature of the water that the boiler sends to the radiators. For a modern condensing combi boiler, the boiler flow temperature should be between 60°C and 70°C. For most modern combi boilers you can adjust this flow temperature using a dial or buttons on your boiler. Lowering the flow temperature to 60°C can save you money.
However, please be aware that if you have a system boiler or hot water cylinder you should not attempt to lower the flow temperature yourself as it could be unsafe. Get in touch with a heating professional for advice.
7. Reduce Boiler Pressure If Necessary
Check your boiler’s pressure gauge; the optimal pressure should be around 1.0-1.5 bar. If the pressure is too high, it could make your boiler work harder and waste energy. Consult your boiler’s manual or your local heating engineer for advice on adjusting pressure safely.
8. Upgrade to a More Efficient Boiler
If your boiler is over 10-15 years old, it may be time for a new boiler. Upgrading to an A-rated condensing boiler can improve efficiency significantly. Modern boilers can achieve efficiencies of 90% or more, meaning less fuel is wasted, and your heating bills are lower.
It is well documented that making small changes to your heating habits and ensuring your boiler is well maintained can lead to substantial energy savings. Bleeding radiators, setting thermostats correctly, using smart controls and servicing your boiler are easy ways to help maximise efficiency and reduce your heating costs.
If you need any help with your boiler or are considering upgrading to a more efficient system, please get in touch with Gasworks Edinburgh, for advice.
