Boiler Flow Temperature Adjustment Crucial Ahead of Price Cap Rise
Customers of major energy suppliers including British Gas, EDF, EON, Ovo, and Octopus are being urged to adjust their boiler flow temperatures before July 1, when a new higher energy price cap takes effect. The recommendation aims to help households reduce energy consumption and save money.
The boiler flow temperature is the temperature at which water is heated before circulating to radiators. As water flows through radiators, it cools and returns to the boiler at a lower return temperature. Reducing the flow temperature lowers the return temperature, improving boiler efficiency and cutting energy use.
Potential Savings of Up to £87 per Year
Octopus Energy advises that lowering the flow temperature can cut energy bills by 12%, saving up to £87 annually, according to Nesta. The company recommends setting combi boilers to 50°C for heating and 55°C for hot water. For systems with a boiler and hot water cylinder, the flow temperature should be set just above 60°C for both heating and hot water, with the cylinder set to 60°C.
Stephen Day, Gas Safe Engineer at iHeat, explains: “To adjust your flow temperature, locate the Flow Temperature Control on your boiler panel, often marked with a radiator symbol. Adjust the temperature to 60°C if numbers are shown, or use the midpoint as a guide if not. Monitor your home’s warmth and adjust slightly if needed. If your boiler is connected to a hot water tank, consult a professional before making changes to avoid unintended issues.”
Simple Adjustment for Significant Impact
This simple adjustment can be made by most households without professional help, but caution is advised for those with hot water tanks. The new price cap, effective from July 1, will increase energy costs, making efficiency measures more valuable. Energy suppliers urge customers to act promptly to benefit from lower bills.
