Strategies for Adjusting Boiler Flow Temperature to Reduce Energy Costs
In the pursuit of energy efficiency and cost savings, adjusting your boiler flow temperature can be a simple yet effective measure. Trusted guides like Nesta's Money Saving Boiler Challenge provide valuable insights into this practice.
Mike Storey, a specialist in energy-efficient home improvements, emphasises the importance of this adjustment. Lowering your boiler flow temperature could save the average household around £65 a year. However, it's crucial to remember that effective home insulation is key to maximising these energy savings.
For newer or well-insulated homes, a boiler flow temperature around 55–60°C is generally sufficient. In some cases, it can even be lowered, particularly for underfloor heating systems. Older or poorly insulated homes may require a flow temperature closer to 60–65°C or higher to maintain comfort.
John Small, owner of Ty Eco, advises adjusting the flow temperature based on the home's insulation and the time of year. For underfloor heating systems, which are common in well-insulated new builds, the optimal water temperature is significantly lower, typically between 30°C and 45°C.
Adjusting the flow temperature must be combined with proper thermostat settings and programming to maximise savings and comfort. It's important to note that only combi boilers should have their flow temperature adjusted, as lowering the temperature too much in boilers with a hot water tank can allow bacteria to grow.
Mike Storey, an insulation expert at UK Flat Roofing, stresses that proper insulation is often the most effective way to reduce energy costs before fine-tuning heating settings. Insulation is the foundation of energy efficiency, according to Mike Storey.
In modern, well-insulated homes, a flow temperature as low as 45°C during spring and summer can be used, increasing to between 50°C and 55°C in winter. However, it's always a good idea to consult your boiler's manual or a qualified engineer if you're unsure about the controls.
Remember, a lower flow temperature will mean your home takes slightly longer to heat up, but the efficiency gains are well worth the wait, provided your home is well-insulated. Lowering the boiler flow temperature can make your boiler more efficient and help reduce energy bills.
In conclusion, by adjusting your boiler flow temperature and ensuring proper insulation, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your heating costs. Always consult a professional if you're unsure about the process, and remember that every home is unique, so the optimal flow temperature will vary depending on your specific situation.
- To build an energy-efficient lifestyle, Mike Storey, an expert in home-improvement, advises adjusting your boiler flow temperature.
- Lowering the boiler flow temperature, as per the guide by Nesta's Money Saving Boiler Challenge, could potentially save an average household approximately £65 per year.
- John Small, the owner of Ty Eco, suggests adjusting the flow temperature based on the home's insulation and the season, with underfloor heating systems typically requiring water temperatures between 30°C and 45°C.
- In the home-and-garden sector, insulation expert Mike Storey at UK Flat Roofing emphasizes that proper insulation is often the most effective method to reduce energy costs before adjusting heating settings.
- For newer or well-insulated homes, a boiler flow temperature around 55–60°C is generally sufficient, but older or poorly insulated homes may require a flow temperature closer to 60–65°C or higher.
- In modern homes with good insulation, a flow temperature as low as 45°C during spring and summer can be used, increasing to between 50°C and 55°C in winter, but it's essential to check your boiler's manual or consult a qualified engineer before making any adjustments.
