Simple Ways to Cut Your Heating Bills
You don't need to freeze to reduce your energy bills. These practical, expert-backed tips can make a meaningful difference.
1. Lower Your Thermostat by 1°C
Turning your thermostat down by just 1°C can save around 10% on your heating bills. Try 19°C instead of 20°C and see if you notice the difference.
2. Use a Timer and Program Your Heating
Only heat your home when you need it. Program your boiler timer so heating comes on 30 minutes before you get up, and turns off 30 minutes before you leave or go to bed. Modern smart thermostats make this very easy.
3. Use TRVs Correctly
Thermostatic radiator valves let you set different temperatures in different rooms. Turn them down in rooms you don't use regularly — guest bedrooms, hallways, and utility rooms.
4. Bleed Your Radiators
Trapped air in radiators reduces efficiency. Bleeding radiators takes just a few minutes and can restore heat to cold spots, meaning your boiler works less hard.
5. Lag Your Pipes and Hot Water Cylinder
Insulating your hot water cylinder and any exposed pipes reduces heat loss and can save money throughout the year.
6. Service Your Boiler Annually
A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently. An annual service typically pays for itself in energy savings over the year.
7. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats like Nest, Hive, or tado° learn your routine, adjust automatically, and let you control your heating remotely. Many users report significant savings.
8. Check Your Boiler's Flow Temperature
For combi boilers, lowering the flow temperature (the temperature of water leaving the boiler) to around 50–55°C increases efficiency in condensing mode. This is especially effective if you have modern radiators or underfloor heating.
9. Close Curtains at Dusk
Heavy curtains closed at dusk significantly reduce heat loss through windows — simple and free.
10. Consider Cavity Wall and Loft Insulation
A well-insulated home retains heat far more effectively. Government-backed schemes may be available to help with the cost of insulation.
For advice on improving your heating system's efficiency, call Halo Heating on 01483 676108.
Need Professional Help?
Our Gas Safe registered engineers cover Surrey and surrounding areas. Call for a free quote or to book an engineer.
Call 01483 676108