Busting Those Common Money Wasting Heating Myths

For the millions of UK households fretting about their heating bills, so-called sensible habits can in fact be costing them more. Again, the easiest way to start saving is by knowing how your heating system works and making small changes.

Myth 1: leaving the heating on all day is cheaper

In most cases, it is more cost effective to heat your home only when you need it. If your heating is on all the time (even at a low setting), then you are effectively paying to maintain that temperature, but no one can benefit while everyone’s out.

Instead: Set your timer (heating will start just before you wake up, or come home) Use smart controls.

Myth 2: you can make the house heat faster by turning up the thermostat

Your boiler is not a tap. Actually the radiators begin to heat at a standard speed regardless of the thermostat setting.

Instead: Set a reasonable target temperature and walk away from the system to do its thing.

Myth 3: Turn off radiators in rooms that are not being used

It can help, but not always. This can lead to removing too much of the natural convection circulation, producing cold spots and creating additional damp/condensation risk.

Instead: Keep some background heat on and have good ventilation.

Myth 4: The pressure of the boiler should be as high as possible

More pressure does not translate to better heat. In fact, excessive pressure can result in errors and water discharge. For Evesham Boilers, visit combi-man.com/boiler-finance/boiler-finance-evesham/

Rather check the normal range in your boiler manual (something like 11.5bar when cold), and if it’s repeatedly too high or low, contact an engineer instead.

Myth 5: Boiler servicing is optional

Failure to service can make the unit inefficient, cause breakdowns and even cause hazards. A boiler which is running sub optimally costs more to run.

Instead: Book an annual service with a Gas safe engineer.

Myth 6: Bleeding radiators is a waste of time

When radiators have air in them the heat output of each radiator is reduced so you end up running it longer to feel warm and cosy.

Instead: If your radiators are still cold at the top, bleed them and check the boiler pressure again.

When your heating bills seem intolerable and you can never feel that cosy warmth in the air, a professional heat check might discover some really simple fixes to save on energy.