Energy supplier Octopus Energy has issued a timely piece of advice that could help UK households reduce their annual heating costs by a significant margin. The company suggests that adjusting a frequently overlooked boiler setting, known as the flow temperature, could save consumers up to £65 a year.
Understanding Your Boiler's Flow Temperature
This guidance comes as countless people across the nation continue to grapple with high energy bills. Octopus has published the tip online alongside several other energy-saving measures. The key advice centres on lowering your boiler's flow setting control, which dictates the temperature of the water heated before it circulates through your radiators.
It is crucial to note that this tip is not universal. Octopus clearly states that it only applies to combi boilers, not conventional or system boilers that use a separate hot water cylinder or tank. Homeowners are advised to first check their boiler type before making any adjustments.
How Adjusting the Setting Saves Money
Most modern boilers are set with a default flow temperature that is often unnecessarily high, typically around 70 to 80 degrees Celsius. This high temperature forces the boiler to work harder and consume more gas. By turning this setting down, your home can still reach a comfortable temperature, but the boiler operates more efficiently.
It is essential to distinguish this from your room thermostat. If you set your thermostat to 15°C, the boiler will heat water to its flow temperature to achieve that ambient room heat. A lower flow temperature means radiators will be less hot to the touch and rooms may take slightly longer to warm up.
Important Considerations for Homeowners
The consumer watchdog Which? supports this advice, adding that for a reasonably well-insulated home, the boiler will run more efficiently, using less energy to achieve the same comfort level. This directly translates to lower gas consumption and reduced bills.
However, Which? also provides a vital caveat. For properties that are not well insulated or have undersized radiators, the benefits may be less pronounced. In such situations, lowering the flow temperature too much could mean the central heating system struggles to adequately heat the home.
Octopus Energy's simple yet effective tip highlights how a small, informed adjustment to household appliances can lead to meaningful financial savings, offering a welcome respite for budget-conscious consumers.
