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How Your Combi Boiler Settings Can Help You Save Energy

Moneymagpie Team 30th Nov 2022 No Comments

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Your boiler can make a big difference to your energy consumption – and your energy bill. If you have a combi boiler, one of the best ways to save is to pay attention to its heating settings.

What are combi boilers?
Why choose a combi boiler?
Saving energy with your combi boiler
More tips to make the most of your boiler
Another way to slash your energy bill

What are combi boilers?

Combination boilers – also known as ‘combi boilers’ for short – act as both a water and central heating unit. This is different from conventional boilers, which usually feature a boiler unit and a separate water heating tank that feeds into the boiler.

Why choose a combi boiler?

Save on space. Combi boilers are ideal for flats and smaller houses as they don’t take up as much room. And, unlike the water tanks of many conventional boilers, they don’t need additional space in the loft, either. As a result, they are easier to install and maintain.
Save time and money. Other benefits of having a combi boiler include not having to preheat before you need hot water (e.g. to take a shower). You’ll also save a little more energy since there’s only one unit involved.

Saving energy with your combi boiler

To get the most out of your combi boiler, check the pressure every so often to make sure it’s working at optimal levels. It should usually read between 1–2 bars, although for some boilers it’s 1–1.5. Before you get started, though, remember to check your boiler’s manual to see if you can adjust the pressure yourself.

If you have a condensing combi boiler, it’s also possible to change the settings of its flow temperature. This is the heat the water in your boiler reaches before being sent to your radiators. By lowering this, the boiler becomes more efficient, leading to savings of around 6% to 8% (or £200) on an average energy bill.

More tips to make the most of your boiler

Turn down the hot water temperature
Get an annual service
Bleed your radiators
Insulate your pipes
Keep it clean
Run your heating regularly – even in the summer
Don’t turn your boiler off. Use thermostats and timers to regulate its operation.

Another way to slash your energy bill

If cutting your usage isn’t enough to cut your costs, then why not consider paying less for your energy in the first place? Utility Warehouse (also known as UW for short) offers great discounts on your household bills, including energy, which is up to £125 cheaper than the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee.

In fact, if you bundle your services with them you can save even more, with some households able to save over £500 for taking out energy, broadband, mobile phone and boiler cover. UW also offers a cashback card that gives discounts at select retailers of up to 10%, plus 1% on everyday spending.

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.