How to Make Your Boiler More Efficient and Save on Energy Bills
With gas prices continuing to put pressure on household budgets, improving your boiler’s efficiency is one of the simplest ways to reduce energy costs. Even small changes in how you run your heating system can make a noticeable difference to your bills – and keep your home warm without wasting energy.
Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your boiler:
1. Reduce the Temperature of Your Central Heating Water
If you have a modern condensing boiler, lowering the flow temperature of your central heating water to 55°C can make a big difference. This allows your boiler to stay in condensing mode for longer, improving efficiency and reducing fuel use.
On most modern combi boilers, this is simple to do. For example, with an Ideal Vogue Max, the two dials on the right control the hot water and central heating temperatures. By rotating the top dial anticlockwise until 55°C appears on the display, you can instantly improve efficiency.
2. Maximise the Heat Your Boiler Produces
You can make your heating system work harder for you with some quick, low-cost adjustments:
- Turn off radiators in unused rooms
- Use thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control temperatures in each room (e.g. keep bedrooms cooler than living spaces)
- Seal draughts with excluders to prevent heat escaping under doors
- Lower your thermostat by just 1°C to cut gas consumption without noticing a big change in comfort
- Bleed radiators to remove trapped air and improve heat circulation
- Insulate your hot water cylinder (if applicable) to keep stored water warmer for longer
3. Consider Heating System Upgrades
There are also upgrades and smart controls that can improve efficiency further:
- Smart thermostats allow you to schedule heating and avoid wasted energy
- Magnetic system filters keep your boiler cleaner and extend its lifespan
- Power flushing can remove sludge from your system, improving heat circulation
If you’d like tailored advice, our team at Rix Gas Services can help recommend the most effective upgrades for your home.
Conclusion
Making your boiler more efficient doesn’t always mean replacing it. With a few adjustments and regular maintenance, you can reduce your gas usage, lower your bills, and keep your home comfortable throughout the colder months.
At Rix Gas Services, we specialise in boiler servicing, upgrades, and installations. If you’d like expert advice on making your heating system more efficient, get in touch with us today.
