4 ways to save on your heating bill

Energy bill savings

The autumn chill has set in early this year, with many households across the country already switching their heating on for brief periods. The increased energy price cap has pushed bills up by 10%, meaning that from 1 October to 31 December 2024, homes will be paying an additional £12 per month for heating. In addition, fewer homes will be benefiting from the Winter Fuel Payment, meaning that staying warm will be a challenge for many. With that in mind, here are four ways to save on your heating bill this winter.

• Use your central heating controls more efficiently

If your home is heated by a boiler and radiators, you will have some control over heating and will be able to ensure it remains at a comfortable temperature without wasting energy. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends thermostats are set to at least 18 degrees for homes occupied by healthy adults, and 20 degrees for homes with children, elderly occupants or those who experience health problems.

You can set timers on your heating so that your home remains warm while occupied and unheated when vacant. This will help to ensure heating is used efficiently. Smart thermostats provide greater flexibility and maintain a baseline temperature when you’re out to ensure pipes don’t freeze.

• Adjust your boiler flow temperature

Those with a condensing combi boiler can adjust the temperature of the water that flows to their radiators. By turning your flow temperature to 60 degrees, you can save on your bills without needing to turn down the thermostat. This will also help to cut your carbon emissions.

If you have a system boiler or hot water cylinder, contact the experts at Aura Heating for help with adjusting your flow temperature. It should always exceed 65 degrees in order to kill harmful bacteria that may be in the water.

• Block draughts

Warm air can escape through gaps and cracks in your home, making it cooler. If you’re heating just one room, keep doors closed to keep the room warm. You can also buy or make draught excluders or rugs to cover gaps such as those at the bottom of your doors and cracks in floorboards.

• Invest in insulation

If you have the means, investing in insulation will make a significant difference to the warmth of your home. Loft insulation could save you between £270 and £445 on your heating bill each year, and costs range from around £720 for a mid-terrace home up to £1,900 for a large detached home. You could also consider cavity wall insulation, which could save you between £110 and £406 per year. However, it is expensive to install, costing upwards of £1,500.

It’s worth noting that both types of insulation are eligible for funding under the Great British Insulation Scheme, which is available to households in England that are in council tax bands A-D and have an EPC rating of D-G.

How can Aura Heating help?

Simply by ensuring your boiler is serviced and performing at its most efficient, you can cut down on energy bills. Let the experts at Aura Heating help by carrying out servicing and adjusting your boiler flow temperature to optimise your energy usage. We also install insulation and air source heat pumps for eligible households, helping you to save long-term.