Recent discussions about heating methods have left many UK residents puzzled about the best way to manage energy costs during the chilly winter months. Left wondering whether to keep heating on low all day or to turn it off and on as needed, Britons face conflicting advice on saving money.
Experts have stepped up to clear the air, firmly stating the most economical way to heat one's home is to turn the heating on only as needed. According to Gordon Wallis, an energy expert from Your NRG, this approach is significantly more energy-efficient than maintaining a constant low temperature throughout the day. “This myth has persisted for years, but it’s not true. It’s far more efficient to heat your home only when needed,” Wallis explains. He recommends using programmable thermostats to set specific heating times and only using energy when absolutely necessary.
Many people may be surprised to learn it could actually be more cost-effective to switch the heating on for brief periods—say, for two hours each morning to provide warmth during peak morning hours and then turning it back off—rather than keeping it running all day. This method allows homeowners to save on their bills by minimizing unnecessary heating.
But there’s more to saving on energy bills than just how you use your heating. It turns out, small tweaks to your boiler settings can also have substantial results. Stephen Day, Heating Engineer at iHeat, asserts, “Lowering your boiler's flow temperature is a simple yet impactful way to improve efficiency.” By adjusting the boiler's flow temperature to around 60°C, he claims households can switch to what’s known as condensing mode—an operation mode where the boiler burns fuel more efficiently, which could translate to savings of about 9% on energy bills, approximately £163 annually. This can result enough savings to cover the cost of streaming services, making it especially appealing.
For those who want to dig even deep, OVO Energy offers free energy assessments to its customers. Sean Newman from OVO highlights the company’s initiative to assist households struggling with rising costs due to the Cost of Living crisis. “With a full Home Health Report, get advice...that could save you energy and money,” Newman suggests. This service involves qualified energy experts assessing homes and advising on needed upgrades such as insulation or solar panel installations, which can yield substantial savings of up to £759 per year.
The search for savings doesn’t stop there. EDF recently announced cuts to its standing charges with the introduction of its new tracker tariff. This offers predictable cost savings, touting potential savings of up to £100 annually. According to Rich Hughes, director of retail at EDF, by discounting standing charges, this new tariff provides equal benefits to all users—be they high or low energy consumers. “Customers can rest assured...they will always save £100 against the price cap,” he stated. By deliberately focusing on standing charges, they attempt to equally benefit customers regardless of energy usage levels.
Energy experts are warning consumers to keep their eyes peeled for impactful deals like this one, as opportunities to save may be fleeting. Uswitch's energy expert, Will Owen, weighs in, stating, “It’s unusual for such well-priced deals to be available...households may have a relatively short window of opportunity to grab one before they disappear.” With energy costs remaining high, the urgency couldn't be clearer.
Consumers seeking to benefit from these changes must evaluate their heating options wisely. While the market could shift as energy suppliers respond to increasing demand for affordable energy pricing, those ready to act now may find themselves saving significantly this winter. Understanding the nuances of energy tariffs, engaging expert advice, and adjusting heating practices can serve people well as they navigate through these financially challenging times.