The Best Temperature for Boilers and Other House Heating ‘Hacks’
Heating efficiency is a hot topic at the moment and for good reason. As we move into winter, the coldest months are upon us – not to mention the energy price cap increase introduced on the 1st of January 2024.
Keeping warm is expensive, but there are steps you can take to ensure that your house is performing as efficiently as possible. From tweaking the settings on your boiler to adjusting your door seals, we have compiled a list of house heating hacks and good-to-know information that can help you keep as much heat inside your home as possible this winter.
Boiler flow temperature
One of the first things you can do to increase the efficiency of your boiler is to adjust the boiler flow temperature. Boiler flow temperature is the temperature to which your boiler heats water before circulating it around your home. The general optimum temperature range for boiler flow is between 60 and 70 degrees Celsius and on average 60 degrees is the most efficient temperature for your boiler flow to be set to.
If you have a particularly energy-efficient house, such as a new build or an older home that has had new insulation features added, you might find that you get the best from your boiler when it is set to as little as 50 degrees.
uPVC door seal adjustment
The vast majority of doors and windows in UK homes are made from uPVC, but what many homeowners don’t know is that many of these have a mechanism that allows you to tighten or loosen the seal around the edge
In summer, a slightly looser seal can encourage more airflow without sacrificing security, and in winter you can tighten the seal to ensure you aren’t losing additional warmth when doors and windows are closed.
To adjust your uPVC doors and windows, take an allen key to the latch mechanism found on the inside edge of the door. Turn clockwise to increase the seal pressure and make it more airtight, and turn anticlockwise to decrease the seal pressure and allow airflow.
Tightening the seal pressure on all uPVC fixtures of this nature will help to save some warmth and with it some money too.
Does window insulation film work?
There are many bright ideas out there for quick insulation fixes for your home, but it can be hard to know if they are worth investing time and money in. Insulation film is a thin film you apply to your windows to provide an extra layer of protection from the elements. Generally, window insulation film is an affordable method but does it work as well as advertised?
The answer is mostly yes, it does work and in many instances provides an additional layer of thermal protection to your home that can help to keep warmth in and the cold out. It isn’t a miracle worker, however, and if your home is particularly inefficient or has old and draughty windows, then window film won’t do much. Nonetheless, it’s worth a try if you are trying to save some pennies and keep your house cosy.
Utilise cooking heat to warm your home
A simple but effective strategy for distributing some heat around your home is to utilise the heat from cooking. When you use your oven, it becomes a heating hub to cook your food. Don’t waste that heat! When you are finished using the oven, turn it off and leave the door open so the heat inside can travel out and through some of the house.
Upgrading your heating system
If you find that your house is burning through warmth and putting you out of pocket on a regular basis, it might be time to upgrade your heating system. Not only can old and inefficient boilers rattle through your hard-earned cash, but they will not be heating your home in the most efficient way.
We can provide you with bespoke advice and deliver leading quality heating systems including underfloor heating, air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and more. Not only that, if you are interested in a low-carbon upgrade for your boiler, you could have access to the boiler upgrade scheme – which could save you up to £7,500.
New technology means boilers and other heating systems are better designed to heat your home most efficiently so you can stay warm for less. If you would like to speak to an expert about the types of heating systems on offer, get in touch with our team today.
