Your boiler probably uses more energy than the rest of your appliances added together, but you could be wasting as much as £500 a year if it's not running efficiently.
Gas boilers are the main source of heating in most UK homes, according to comparison firm Uswitch, with 23m families relying on one for their hot water all year round and heating in the winter months. However a lot of these boilers may not be running as well as they could be, especially older models.
Boilers with top energy-saving level A are more than 90% efficient, but it's a different story for the lowest G-rated models, which can waste 40% of the money you spend on gas. A boiler normally accounts for more than half of the yearly energy bill for any home, according to the Energy Saving Trust charity, so assuming a home is capped at the £2,500 annual Government's Energy Price Guarantee level, that means running a boiler costs around £1,250. The least efficient boilers waste 40% - or £500 - of that money.
Read more: When to DIY and when to call in a pro if your boiler breaks down
The cost of living crisis has meant that many families are stuck with their old boiler as they can't spare the average of £2,500 to replace it, but there are steps you can take to improve its efficiency that will cost you nothing.
"Modern boiler systems that have been looked after with regular boiler maintenance burn their fuel more efficiently than old models that have been neglected," said Ben Galilizzi of Uswitch. "Looking after your boiler on a regular basis will also reduce the risk of gas leaks, and improve protection within your home, including carbon monoxide safety."
The best way to make sure your boiler is running smoothly - and safely - is to ensure a professional checks your boiler regularly during an annual boiler service. But there are also some tweaks you can carry out yourself for nothing to get the most out of your old boiler, according to Uswitch.
1. Set a timer for your boiler
A boiler timer lets you set the hours when you want your heating and hot water on during the day, to ensure the heating in your home is on only when someone is there to use it. If you have an older boiler, the timer may be a dial on the boiler and If you have a newer model, you might have a digital timer, either on the boiler itself, on a wall or a freestanding version.
2. Reduce your boiler flow rate
Around 80% of UK homes have a combi boiler in the UK, and if you're living in one of them, reducing your boiler's flow rate can help you save some cash. The flow temperature is the temperature your boiler heats up the water before it sends it off to your radiators. Most households run the flow rate at around 80 degrees, but this can be lowered with little effect on the hot water in most cases. Charity Nesta reckons you can save £112 a year if you reduce your flow temperature to 60 degrees.
3. Bleed your radiators
Bleeding your radiators releases any air that has become trapped inside, allowing the entire surface of the radiator to produce heat. Follow our step-by-step guide here
4. Check your boiler pressure
Most combi boilers run best at pressures between 1 and 1.5 bar, although you should check your manual to ensure the pressure recommended for your particular model. Any lower than 1 bar and your heating system becomes more inefficient - and costly - to run and if the pressure is too high it can lead to faults with your heating system. According to British Gas, the most likely causes of pressure issues are the valves which may have come loose or the radiators. You can tighten the valves and bleed the radiators yourself, but if the problems are still there, call a boiler professional.
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