Households across the UK are being urged to take a closer look at their boiler dials, with experts warning that a simple adjustment could cut annual energy bills by as much as £200. Boiler specialists at Your NRG, the UK’s leading independent fuel distributor, say that many families are paying more than necessary because their central heating flow temperature is set too high.
Around 80 percent of UK homes use a combi boiler which heats water directly from the mains without a storage tank. Most homeowners do not realise that the flow temperature, which is the temperature of water circulating through radiators, is often set unnecessarily high.
Reducing the setting from 75-80 degrees celcius, down to around 60 degrees can improve efficiency, potentially lower bills by up to eight percent.
For the average household, this could represent savings of around £200 a year.
However, experts caution that it is essential not to confuse the flow temperature dial with the hot water temperature dial, which controls water used in taps and showers.
Hot water must be stored at a minimum of 60 degrees to prevents the growth of legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease.
Adjustments should only be made to the dial marked with a radiator or thermometer symbol.
For homes with heat-only or regular boilers that heat a separate hot water tank as well as the central heating, the advice is slightly different. These boilers often have only one dial, and it should never be set below 60 degrees for safety reasons.
Adjusting the central heating flow temperature on most combi boilers is simple and takes just a few minutes.
Many models have a flap at the bottom to reveal the controls, and for boilers with a pointer rather than a digital display, setting it to the twelve o’clock position usually lowers the flow temperatures to 60 degrees.
There is little risk in experimenting with the setting, as it can easily be returned to its previous position if needed.
Homeowners who are unsure are advised to ask a heating engineer to make the adjustment during the next service. Professionals can also perform a full system check, including water quality, radiator balance, and control updates, all of which improve efficiency.
This guidance comes as many families continue to face high energy costs despite government support.
Alongside lowering boiler flow temperatures, other steps such as replacing old lightbulbs with LEDs or insulating lofts can further reduce bills, with many measures paying for themselves within a few years.
According to Your NRG, reducing the boiler’s flow temperature is one of the quickest and easiest ways to save energy, reduce strain on the system, and help households manage costs without compromising comfort.