With heating and hot water making up over half of household energy costs, keeping your home warm can come with a hefty price tag. As energy prices remain high, it’s more important than ever to find ways to cut costs without sacrificing comfort.
Fortunately, there are a range of strategies, both big and small, that can help make your heating system more efficient, reduce your energy consumption, and lower your bills.
From tweaking your thermostat settings to improving your home’s insulation, these tips can make a noticeable difference. They will not only help you save money but also reduce your carbon footprint.
How to save money on a heating bill: 8 tips for winter efficiency
By making a few adjustments to your central heating system, you can save energy, reduce heating costs, and keep your home comfortably warm. Here’s how to save money on a heating bill with these top winter efficiency tips.
1. Make sure your boiler is running efficiently
Your boiler is at the core of your heating system, so maintaining it is essential. An efficient boiler not only saves energy but also extends the lifespan of your entire heating system, saving you money in the long run.
Get your boiler serviced regularly
Annual servicing by a qualified boiler engineer is crucial.
A professional check ensures that your boiler is running safely and efficiently, with any small issues resolved before they become costly repairs.
JustFix offers expert boiler servicing throughout England. Our network of trusted engineers can provide a thorough inspection to keep your boiler in top condition.
Don’t wait until problems arise—schedule your annual service with JustFix to ensure your boiler is ready for winter. This will give you peace of mind and help keep your energy bills down.
Use your boiler's timer
Most modern boilers come with built-in timers or central heating controls.
Setting your boiler to turn on and off at specific times prevents energy waste and ensures that you’re only heating your home when you need it.
Programme it to come on half an hour before you wake up and turn it off around the time you go to bed.
2. Clean your radiator system
Radiators that are clogged with sludge or debris will not heat your rooms effectively, wasting energy and increasing your energy bill.
Keeping your radiators clean and well-maintained helps them heat up more efficiently.
Get a powerflush
If you’re experiencing uneven heating or cold spots, a powerflush can help. This process, done by a professional, uses powerful chemicals to clear out sludge and rust from your central heating system, improving efficiency.
- Powerflush: If you’re experiencing uneven heating or cold spots, a powerflush can help. This process, done by a professional gas engineer, uses powerful chemicals to clear out sludge and rust from your central heating system, improving efficiency. For more detailed information, see our guide: What is a powerflush?
- Gravity flush: A gravity flush is a simpler, less intense cleaning process suitable for mild build-up. Though not as effective as a powerflush, it can still help increase efficiency, especially if your radiators aren’t too clogged.
- Chemical flush: A chemical flush uses milder chemicals to clean the system and is often quicker than a powerflush. It’s a good option for systems with light build-up, but for serious sludge, a powerflush is more effective.
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For more information on radiator cold spots, check out our guides on why your radiator might be warm at the top and cold at the bottom and why your radiator might be cold at the top but warm at the bottom.
3. Check your radiators are balanced
Unbalanced radiators can lead to uneven heating, with some rooms staying cold while others become uncomfortably warm.
Balancing your radiators ensures that each room in your home receives an equal amount of hot water, maintaining a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout.
You can either ask a professional to balance your radiators or attempt it yourself if you feel confident. Adjusting the valves on each radiator allows hot water to flow evenly through your central heating system, reducing energy use and ultimately saving money on heating bills.
For a comprehensive guide on how to balance your radiators effectively, check out our full guide that walks you through the process step-by-step.
4. Turn down the flow temperature of your combi boiler
If you have a combi boiler, lowering the flow temperature can improve efficiency and help your boiler work at maximum efficiency.
Do you have a condensing gas boiler?
Most modern boilers, including combi boilers, are condensing models. These are highly energy efficient because they capture and recycle heat that would otherwise be lost through the flue.
Condensing boilers are only effective, however, if the return water temperature remains around 55°C or lower. If it’s higher, your boiler might not actually be 'condensing,' even if it’s capable.
If you’re unsure, check for a white plastic pipe beneath your boiler—this indicates a condensing model.
To confirm it’s working optimally, use a digital thermometer to measure the temperature of the return flow pipe.
Lowering the flow temperature slightly can improve your boiler’s efficiency, which reduces heating bills.
5. Fully utilise your thermostat
Reducing your thermostat by just one degree can save roughly 10% on your energy bill.
However, during cold weather, it's essential to keep your home comfortably warm to protect your health. Aim for an ideal temperature between 18-21°C.
Top tips for your room thermostat
Using your thermostat efficiently can make a noticeable difference to your energy bills. Here’s how to set it up and save money on your heating:
- Set a comfortable temperature: Start at 18°C and increase by one degree until you reach a comfortable level. Vulnerable individuals or those with limited mobility may prefer a higher setting for added warmth.
- Ensure proper placement: Keep your thermostat free from obstructions like curtains or furniture to avoid false readings.
- Position it wisely: Many thermostats control only the room they're in. Place it in a frequently used room to ensure it’s sensing the temperature accurately.
6. Try zoning your heating
Heating your entire home can be wasteful if you only use certain rooms regularly. Zoning allows you to control different areas independently, reducing heating in rooms like spare bedrooms or storage spaces.
Many modern heating systems allow for zoning, or you can upgrade to a smart thermostat to manage this. Smart heating controls can make a big difference in efficiency, leading to long-term savings.
7. Set your thermostatic radiator valves low
Thermostatic radiator valves, or TRVs, allow you to control the temperature of each radiator individually.
Setting them to a lower temperature in lesser-used rooms can save on heating costs.
Lower TRV settings mean your boiler doesn’t need to work as hard to heat every radiator fully, making it a simple yet effective way to save money on your energy bill.
8. Insulate your home
Proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce heat loss and lower energy bills. Even small improvements, like adding secondary glazing film to windows, can help trap warm air inside.
Installing insulation in lofts and walls can prevent heat from escaping. It plugs the gaps in your property to help keep hot air in and cold air out.
If you’re considering insulation upgrades, remember that many types of insulation qualify for government grants. These grants could help cover installation costs and further reduce your energy bills.
When to call in a JustFix professional
Managing your heating system yourself can save money, but sometimes it’s best to consult a professional.
Annual boiler servicing, balancing radiators, and flushing your heating system can all improve efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower heating bills in the long run.
JustFix has a network of expert heating and gas engineers ready to help, whether you need a routine service, powerflush, or advice on optimising your heating setup.
Let the experts at JustFix ensure that your boiler and heating system are operating safely and efficiently all winter long.
