There are some simple actions you may not be aware of that could help you save energy.

Download our energy saving leaflet here. 

Reduce your boiler flow temperature

Boilers often have a default temperature that is sent to radiators which is set higher than needed. This reduces the efficiency of your boiler. Depending on the type of boiler you have, its efficiency can be improved by locating the ‘flow temperature’ dial/setting on the boiler and adjusting it to a lower temperature of 60 degrees. Reducing your boiler flow temperature could save you approximately £100 per year.

Reducing your boiler’s flow temperature is not the same as reducing the temperature on your thermostat and won’t reduce the temperature of your home but may increase the time it takes for your home to reach the target temperature on your thermostat. People over 65, or with pre-existing health conditions, may want to set a slightly higher flow temperature before lowering it further to ensure your home warms up quickly enough.

Find out how to reduce your flow temperature by following Nesta’s simple guide.

Turn down radiators when rooms aren’t in use

Most radiators are fitted with valves that control the temperature of a room by changing the flow of hot water to the radiator. These valves are often misused as ‘on/off’ switches, and in rooms which aren’t used all day such as bedrooms, or rooms which you don’t use regularly, these can often be set too high.

These valves are usually marked with a scale from 0 – 6, where zero (0) is off and six (6) is fully open. They can be adjusted by twisting them clockwise or anti-clockwise. Aim for the lowest setting that keeps the room to your desired temperature. A lower setting reduces the volume of hot water, using less energy and saving you money – approximately £70 per year.

Stop heat escaping through doors and windows

Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and most effective ways that you can take to stop the heat escaping and reduce your energy bills by approximately £70 per year:

  • By blocking unwanted gaps around windows, doors and the floor that let the cold air in and warm air out, you’ll use less energy to heat your home. Energy Saving Trust provide advice on how to draught proof your property
  • Window film is a form of temporary secondary glazing. By installing window film on your windows, you can help stop heat escaping through the glass. You can buy window film at most hardware shops and online and install it yourself or with the help of a professional.

Credit: https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/   Gov.uk

Sign up for the Priority Services Register

Did you know that if you sign up with the Priority Services Register with your energy suppliers (gas and electricity) you could get extra help. For example, if there is a power cut, someone can check up on you and provide hot meals. You may also want someone to check your meter regularly or move your prepayment meter.

To get this extra help, you can apply to be added to your electricity network priority services register. Find out more here: Priority Services Register

Keeping warm

We understand you may be avoiding putting your heating on, but a cold house can affect your mental health. 

It is important for older people or those with health conditions, such as asthma, to stay warm.

For tips on how to stay warm, visit Keeping warm | Progress Housing Group