{"id":99850,"date":"2024-12-17T15:20:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-17T15:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/?p=99850"},"modified":"2024-12-17T15:40:03","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T15:40:03","slug":"save-260-annually-the-boiler-setting-costing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/save-260-annually-the-boiler-setting-costing\/","title":{"rendered":"Save \u00a3260 Annually : The Boiler Setting Mistake Costing UK Households Big"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Amid growing economic pressures, many <strong>UK households<\/strong> are unknowingly increasing their <strong>energy costs<\/strong>. Recent <strong>data<\/strong> shows that <strong>incorrect boiler settings<\/strong> could add up to <strong>\u00a3260 annually<\/strong> to <strong>energy bills<\/strong>. This common oversight, affecting homes <strong>nationwide<\/strong>, highlights opportunities for improved <strong>efficiency<\/strong> and substantial <strong>savings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Boiler Setting Error Costing UK Households Millions<br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In an era of <strong>rising utility costs<\/strong>, UK residents are unwittingly adding an average of <strong>\u00a3260<\/strong> to their annual <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/millions-uk-homes-risk-overpaying-energy-bills\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3118\">energy bills<\/a><\/strong> by making a simple but widespread <strong>boiler mistake<\/strong>. This oversight involves the <strong>incorrect setting<\/strong> of <strong>boiler flow temperatures<\/strong>. Major energy providers like <strong>British Gas<\/strong>, <strong>OVO<\/strong>, <strong>EDF<\/strong>, <strong>EON<\/strong>, and <strong>Octopus Energy<\/strong> have noted that many of their customers are <strong>not optimizing<\/strong> their boiler settings, which results in <strong>inefficient heating<\/strong> and higher <strong>gas usage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To better understand the issue, here are key reasons why incorrect boiler settings can lead to increased costs :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reduced Efficiency<\/strong> : Boilers operating at <strong>higher flow temperatures<\/strong> fail to enter <strong>condensing mode<\/strong>, wasting energy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Higher Gas Consumption<\/strong> : Inefficient settings force the boiler to <strong>work harder<\/strong> and consume more <strong>gas<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lack of Awareness<\/strong> : Many households are unaware of the impact of <strong>flow temperature adjustments<\/strong> on <strong>energy savings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Outdated Settings<\/strong>: Boilers often remain at <strong>factory settings<\/strong>, which may not be <strong>optimized<\/strong> for household needs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Addressing these points can help homeowners <strong>reduce unnecessary energy expenditure<\/strong> and improve <strong>boiler performance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding Boiler Flow Temperature<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Boiler flow temperature is a crucial setting that determines how hot the <strong>water<\/strong> is when it circulates through the heating system. <a href=\"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk-energy-customers-save-300-annually-gb-energy\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6499\"><strong>EDF Energy<\/strong> highlights<\/a> that by <strong>reducing<\/strong> the flow temperature, the boiler operates more frequently in \u201c<strong>condensing mode<\/strong>\u201d, which allows it to <strong>capture and recycle heat<\/strong> back into the system, thereby enhancing <strong>efficiency<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Scientists at Salford Uni\u2019s Energy House test homes in extreme weather to cut energy use, bills &amp; carbon footprints. Small changes like lowering boiler temp to 64\u00b0C save 7%. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/SehQVmQeic\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/t.co\/SehQVmQeic<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MENnewsdesk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@MENnewsdesk<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Energy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#Energy<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/EnergyCosts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#EnergyCosts<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/EnergyEfficiency?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#EnergyEfficiency<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClimateAction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#ClimateAction<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/sH43gbBJb9\" target=\"_blank\">pic.twitter.com\/sH43gbBJb9<\/a><\/p>&mdash; activist360 (@activist360_co) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/activist360_co\/status\/1868141893327925390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">December 15, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Expert Insights on Optimal Boiler Settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/uk.linkedin.com\/in\/ryan-gill-59b251117\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/uk.linkedin.com\/in\/ryan-gill-59b251117\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ryan Gill<\/a>, a <strong>lead technical surveyor<\/strong> at <strong>Boxt<\/strong>, explains the <strong>balance needed<\/strong> in adjusting the <strong>flow temperature<\/strong> :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>For combi boilers<\/strong> : It is advised not to set the flow temperature below 55\u00b0C.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For system or standard boilers<\/strong> : A minimum of 60\u00b0C is necessary to prevent bacterial growth and ensure adequate heating.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Gill emphasises, &#8220;<strong>Adjusting your boiler flow temperature<\/strong> can lead to <strong>significant savings<\/strong> without greatly compromising <strong>comfort<\/strong>. However, it\u2019s crucial to <strong>tailor the temperature setting<\/strong> to the specific <strong>type of boiler<\/strong> you have.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Financial Impact of Adjusting Boiler Temperatures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Recent <strong>studies<\/strong>, including one from the <strong>Salford Energy House<\/strong>, demonstrate the potential <strong>savings<\/strong> from proper <strong>temperature settings<\/strong> :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reduction from 80\u00b0C to 60\u00b0C<\/strong>: Up to 9% savings on gas usage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduction from 80\u00b0C to 55\u00b0C<\/strong>: Up to 12% savings on gas usage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Table : Estimated Annual Savings by Adjusting Boiler Temperatures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Boiler Temperature Reduction<\/th><th>Estimated Gas Usage Savings (%)<\/th><th>Estimated Annual Savings (\u00a3)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>80\u00b0C to 60\u00b0C<\/td><td>Up to 9%<\/td><td>Up to \u00a3195<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>80\u00b0C to 55\u00b0C<\/td><td>Up to 12%<\/td><td>Up to \u00a3260<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on the current <strong>energy price cap<\/strong> of <strong>\u00a32,171<\/strong>, these adjustments could lead to <strong>annual savings<\/strong> of approximately <strong>\u00a3260<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Balancing Safety and Efficiency in Home Heating Settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While lowering the flow temperature can be beneficial for cost savings, it is essential to consider the health implications, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions. Maintaining a minimum flow temperature of 60\u00b0C is critical not only for comfort but also for safety. Nesta, an innovation charity, underscores this recommendation with specific concerns in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prevention of Hypothermia<\/strong>: Lower temperatures can increase the risk, particularly in poorly insulated homes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mitigation of Legionella Risk<\/strong>: Hot water systems set below 60\u00b0C may foster bacterial growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ensuring Adequate Heat Distribution<\/strong>: To prevent cold spots which can contribute to dampness and mold growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By adhering to these guidelines, households can ensure their homes are both safe and efficiently heated.<br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A minor adjustment in boiler settings could unlock significant savings for many UK households amidst rising energy costs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":99887,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-99850","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-energy","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33","no-featured-image-padding"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99850","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99850"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99850\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99905,"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99850\/revisions\/99905"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99887"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99850"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99850"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99850"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}