Octopus Energy Calls for UK Households to Adjust Boiler Settings for Optimal Efficiency
Octopus Energy, one of the UK's leading energy suppliers, has issued a firm recommendation for households across the country to adjust their boiler settings to a specific temperature range. The company asserts that combi boilers operate most effectively when the flow temperature—the temperature at which water leaves the boiler to heat radiators—is set to 60°C or below.
Common Misconceptions and High Default Settings
Despite this advice, many homeowners inadvertently set their flow temperatures much higher, typically between 70°C and 80°C. This is often due to default factory settings or a lack of awareness about how boilers function efficiently. Octopus Energy emphasises that lowering the flow temperature is a simple, reversible process that takes only a few minutes and carries no risk, encouraging everyone to give it a try.
In a statement, Octopus Energy said: "Set your flow temperature to between 55 and 60 degrees on your combi boiler. Take a look at Nesta's Money-Saving Boiler walkthrough to see how, depending on your boiler, you could save £65." This highlights the potential financial benefits, with savings on energy bills being a key incentive for making the change.
Understanding Boiler Mechanics and Temperature Settings
It is important to distinguish between different components of a home heating system. A hot water tank, which stores hot water for domestic use, is separate from the boiler and is usually found in a cupboard or attic, often cylindrical and insulated. The boiler itself handles central heating via a wet system, where the flow temperature is crucial.
Which?, the consumer advocacy group, explains: "Most homes are heated by wet central heating. The heating flow temperature of your boiler is the temperature at which water leaves your boiler on its journey to your radiators." This setting is distinct from the thermostat, which controls the ambient air temperature. For instance, if a thermostat is set to 19°C, the boiler heats water to a much higher temperature to warm the home until that air temperature is reached.
The Benefits of Lowering Flow Temperatures
Which? adds: "By default, many boilers are set to heat this water to 75-80°C. But many homes with condensing combi boilers can be suitably warmed with heating flow temperatures of 60-65°C or lower." Reducing the flow temperature allows the boiler to use less gas, operate more efficiently, and reduce carbon emissions, contributing to both cost savings and environmental benefits.
Furthermore, combi boilers offer the flexibility to adjust temperatures separately for heating (radiators) and hot water supplied to taps, allowing homeowners to fine-tune their settings for comfort and efficiency. This dual control means that while lowering radiator temperatures, households can still maintain optimal hot water temperatures for daily use.
By heeding this advice, UK residents can not only cut down on their energy expenses but also enhance the longevity and performance of their heating systems, making it a practical step towards more sustainable living.
