One change helps boilers ‘run more efficiently’ and save ‘up to £65’

Octopus Energy has shared a simple guide to help homeowners save money on their energy bills this winter

Octopus Energy claims that making one simple setting change to your boiler could slash “up to £65” off your bills – and it takes just seconds to do. The energy supplier’s guidance comes as people prepare for winter weather and the Ofgem price cap is set to rise further in January, following the recent October hike.

One of the energy firm’s ‘top tips’ to save money on your bills is: “Set your flow temperature to between 55 and 60 degrees on your combi boiler. Take a look at Nesta’s Money-Saving Boiler walkthrough to see how, depending on your boiler, you could save £65.”

The Nesta guide states that reducing the flow temperature to 60°C puts the boiler into “condensing mode”. When your boiler operates in condensing mode, Nesta explains that “it will recover heat that would otherwise be lost and will run more efficiently”.

Following the walkthrough steps, it said: “Your boiler should now be running more efficiently. This will reduce the amount of gas it needs to burn to heat up your house, saving energy and money.”

The guide further adds that, as the boiler heats the water in your radiators to around 60°C, they may feel cooler than before the adjustment – and this is entirely normal. It states: “As your radiators won’t be as hot, rooms may take slightly longer to heat up. This is to be expected and can be fixed by setting your heating to start 15-30 minutes earlier than before.”

Boiler flow temperatures are typically set by default between 75 and 80°C, reports the Mirror. Installers frequently set them high to heat homes quickly, but this prevents condensing boilers from operating at peak efficiency.

The Energy Saving Trust advises that homeowners “should adjust settings gradually and make sure your heating controls are set up correctly before making changes”. It adds that the process may involve “some trial-and-error” to find what works for your home.

What else does Octopus suggest?

The energy firm released a list of 10 tips for homeowners looking to reduce their monthly energy use. It is often small changes in habits that make the greatest difference over time – and this list claims to help save “up to £517”.

1. Air-dry, don’t tumble-dry: Avoid drying clothes on radiators, as it makes your boiler work harder! You could save £50
2. Mind the gaps by draught-proofing your home: You could save £85
3. Control your thermostat: Time it perfectly for when you need it, and you could save £90
4. Set your flow temperature to between 55 and 60°C on your combi boiler: Take a look at Nesta’s Money-Saving Boiler walkthrough to see how, depending on your boiler, you could save £65
5. Put an insulation jacket on your hot water tank: You could save £40. Check out how insulating your tanks, pipes, and radiators can make a big difference.
6. Switch off standby devices: You could save £45.
7. Reduce your shower time: You could save £45
8. Be bright with your lights: LEDs use 80% less electricity and last 20 times longer than halogen bulbs. You could save £45.
9. Wash your clothes less and at 30 °C: You could save £27
10. Change your shower head: You could save around £25

According to The Energy Trust, washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers account for 14 per cent of a typical energy bill, making them the most power-hungry appliances in our homes. Experts suggest that it is not simply a matter of how you wash your clothes, but also when you choose to wash them that can make a real difference. Most energy providers reduce their tariffs between 10pm and 8am.