Every winter it feels like the same story: energy companies put prices up, and many households are left wondering how to heat their homes while staying financially afloat.
But there are practical steps you can take to increase energy efficiency and keep costs under control, all while being comfortable and warm this winter. Here are a few of them.
-
Lowering your temperature (slightly)
Small changes to how hot your heating system runs add up more than you might expect.
Turn your thermostat down by 1°C
Turning your thermostat down by just one degree could save a typical household 10% on their energy bills a year according to the energy saving trust. Most people won’t notice the change in comfort, but your heating bill will. Aim to keep the thermostat between 18°C and 21°C during the colder months.
If you’ve got a programmable thermostat or smart heating controls, set them to warm the house only when you’re at home and awake. And remember, turning the dial up higher won’t heat the house faster — it just makes the boiler work harder than it needs to.
Lower your boiler flow temperature
Your boiler flow temperature is the setting that controls how hot the water is when it leaves the boiler for your radiators. Many combi boilers are set too high by default. Reducing the flow temperature from around 80°C to 60°C keeps your home just as warm, but helps your system run more efficiently.
Making this adjustment can cut your energy usage and, for a typical household, lead to 9% savings on gas annually. It’s a simple change you can usually make yourself, but if you’re not confident, ask a Gas Safe registered engineer.
-
Get radiator reflector panels
Radiators fixed to external walls can lose a surprising amount of heat into the brickwork. Radiator reflector panels help by bouncing that heat back into the room.
They’re most effective in older properties with less insulation. For the cost of a few pounds (and a straightforward installation you can do yourself), it’s a boon that quickly pays for itself.
-
Make sure your home is draught proof
Even the most efficient boiler wastes energy if warm air is constantly escaping. Draughts around doors, windows and letterboxes let heat out and cold air in, making your system work harder.
Simple DIY measures like fitting brush strips, sealing gaps, or using draught excluders can make a real difference, saving between £25 and £50 a year depending on the size and age of the home.
-
Know when to call in the experts
Some jobs (like bleeding radiators or adjusting timers) are safe to do yourself. But if your boiler is losing pressure, making odd noises, or running inefficiently, that’s the time to bring in the experts.
An annual boiler service by a Gas Safe registered engineer is more than a safety check. It improves efficiency, catches small faults before they become breakdowns, and protects your warranty.
Need peace of mind before winter sets in? Our local team has been trusted for over 40 years to provide a friendly, reliable, and efficient service. Don’t wait for a breakdown on the coldest day of the year — Book your service today.
-
Make your hot water cylinder more efficient
You might be thinking ‘how can you make your hot water cylinder more efficient?’ Well, if you have a hot water cylinder, insulating it is actually one of the simplest ways to save energy.
A cylinder jacket keeps water warmer for longer, meaning your boiler doesn’t have to work as hard. Pair this with lagging for exposed pipes and you’ll hold onto heat more effectively.
Quick-fire energy saving tips
Beyond the five main steps, there are smaller tweaks that can also help reduce your energy usage:
- Use tumble dryers less: They’re one of the most energy-hungry appliances in the home. Dry clothes on an airer where possible.
- Give your heating a short test-run before winter: Running it for 10–15 minutes in autumn can bring problems to your attention before they start compounding.
- Bleed your radiators: Hold your hand to the top and bottom of your radiators; is the heat uneven? If so, it’s likely trapped air causing it, but bleeding your radiators is a quick and simple process.
- Close heavy curtains at dusk: They help keep the hot air in, and the cold weather out.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas: This will reduce heat loss and prevent freezing.
FAQs
What’s the cheapest way to cut my heating bill quickly?
Making your house draught proof is one of the lowest-cost measures, and it works immediately.
Is it really worth paying for a boiler service?
Yes. Regular servicing improves efficiency, extends your boiler’s lifespan, and avoids unexpected breakdowns.
Will radiator reflector panels work in every home?
They’re most effective on radiators fixed to external walls. In new, well-insulated homes, the impact will be less noticeable.
Final thoughts
Energy prices aren’t getting any kinder, but small changes can make a big difference, so you can save money while still heating your home. And when it comes to safety and efficiency, an annual service from a Gas Safe registered engineer is always a smart investment.
With a reputation built on hundreds of 5-star reviews and over 40 years of experience heating homes, we pride ourselves on being thorough, personable, and dependable.
Book your boiler service today and see why so many households across Bristol and Bath recommend us year after year.
