Halo Heating

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BeginnerEnergy Saving10 min read28 January 2025

Making Your Heating System More Energy Efficient

With energy bills remaining high, improving the efficiency of your heating system is one of the best investments you can make. Here's a practical guide to meaningful improvements.

Why Heating Efficiency Matters

Heating accounts for around 60% of a typical UK household's energy bill. Even modest improvements in efficiency can translate to meaningful annual savings — and in many cases, the improvements pay for themselves within a few years.

1. Upgrade to a Modern Condensing Boiler

If your boiler is more than 12–15 years old, it may operate at 70–80% efficiency at best. Modern A-rated condensing boilers achieve over 90% efficiency. Upgrading could save £200–£400 per year depending on your current boiler's condition.

2. Optimise Your Flow Temperature

For combi and system boilers, lowering the flow temperature (the temperature of water leaving the boiler) to 50–55°C can significantly improve condensing efficiency. Many older installations have flow temperatures set at 70–80°C unnecessarily. Ask your engineer to check and adjust this during your next service.

3. Install a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats allow precise scheduling, geofencing, and remote control. Research suggests savings of 10–20% on heating bills compared to traditional programmers. They pay for themselves quickly.

4. Fit a Magnetic System Filter

Sludge and iron oxide particles in your heating system cause your boiler to work harder. A magnetic filter (such as a Magnaclean) captures these particles before they cause damage. Costs around £100–£150 installed and reduces boiler wear while improving efficiency.

5. Balance Your Radiators

Balanced radiators ensure heat is evenly distributed, preventing your boiler from overworking to compensate for poorly heated rooms.

6. Service Annually

A clean, well-tuned boiler is a more efficient one. Annual servicing keeps combustion optimised and catches developing problems before they reduce efficiency.

7. Improve Home Insulation

The most impactful measure of all. Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and draught-proofing reduce heat loss dramatically — meaning your boiler runs for less time to maintain comfort.

Halo Heating can help with boiler optimisation, filter installation, and system servicing. Call 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