Octopus Energy explains simple boiler change that could save £65 | UK | News
Citing data from Nesta, Octopus Energy recommends reducing your ‘flow temperature’ to a maximum of 60°C as a crucial step in cutting costs. This setting is separate from your thermostat reading and actually refers to the temperature of water leaving your boiler.
The energy firm explained: “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.”
If you adjust a thermostat to 15°C, your boiler heats water to a considerably higher temperature before pumping it around your property until the room hits 15°C. Research from Which? indicates that a standard boiler typically operates with a flow temperature between 75°C and 80°C, though this is frequently more than needed.
Consequently, lowering the flow temperature will still enable warmth to spread throughout your property, although it may result in your boiler consuming less gas whilst operating more efficiently. Despite Octopus Energy’s estimates, the actual savings achieved may vary considerably based on your home’s insulation and individual features.
Looking at various boiler models and how to alter flow temperature, guidance from the Energy Saving Trust also adds: “If you have a conventional boiler with a hot water cylinder, there’ll be just one dial or setting to adjust.
“If you have a combi boiler with no hot water cylinder, there’ll be two dials or settings – one for the radiators and one for hot water. You need to adjust the radiator setting, which you may see as by an icon of a radiator rather than a tap.”
It also suggests: “Before you make any adjustments, it’s a good idea to take a photo or make a note of how everything’s currently set. That way, you’ll know what to turn it back to if you need to. The easiest option is to turn the boiler flow temperature down to a level that’s just warm enough and leave it there.”
Nesta, which runs the Money Saving Boiler Challenge, offers a quick online assessment to help you work out what adjustments you can make to your flow temperature. This assessment takes just a few minutes to complete.
For the latest money-saving tips, shopping and consumer news, go to the new Everything Money website
