Introduction
As winter tightens its grip on London and Croydon, keeping your home warm becomes a top priority. However, with rising energy costs, staying warm without breaking the bank can be challenging. At Baps-Taps, we understand the importance of efficient heating. In this guide, we share practical tips to help you save money on your boiler heating while maintaining a cosy and comfortable home.
1. Get Your Boiler Serviced
An annual boiler service is essential for ensuring it operates efficiently and safely throughout the winter.
Why It Matters:
● Helps identify potential issues before they become costly repairs.
● Ensures the boiler runs efficiently, reducing energy consumption.
Pro Tip: Schedule your service with a trusted professional like Baps-Taps to keep your boiler in peak condition.
2. Bleed Your Radiators
Trapped air in radiators can reduce their efficiency, leading to uneven heating.
How to Bleed Radiators:
1. Turn off the heating and let the radiators cool.
2. Use a radiator key to release the trapped air.
3. Tighten the valve once water starts to appear.
Pro Tip: Bleeding your radiators at the beginning of the winter season can significantly improve heating efficiency.
3. Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation reduces heat loss and lowers your heating bill.
Focus Areas:
● Loft insulation to prevent heat escaping through the roof.
● Draught-proofing around doors and windows.
DIY Tip: Use draft excluders and thermal curtains for a quick and budget-friendly solution.
4. Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to set heating schedules that align with your daily routine.
Benefits:
● Automatically lowers the temperature when you are asleep or away.
● Ensures the home is warm when needed without wasting energy.
Pro Tip: Set your thermostat to 18°C to 20°C for an ideal balance between comfort and
energy savings.
5. Lower the Boiler Flow Temperature
Reducing the boiler flow temperature can improve efficiency without compromising warmth.
How to Do It:
● Check your boiler manual for instructions.
● Lower the flow temperature to around 60°C for heating and 50°C for hot water.
Pro Tip: This adjustment is especially effective for modern condensing boilers.
6. Zone Your Heating
Not all rooms need to be heated at the same temperature or at the same time.
Tips for Zoning:
● Close doors to unused rooms.
● Use thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control the temperature in individual rooms.
Pro Tip: Focus on keeping living spaces warm and let bedrooms remain slightly cooler.
7. Maintain Consistent Heating
Turning the heating on and off frequently can be less efficient than maintaining a consistent temperature.
Why It Matters:
● Helps prevent pipes from freezing during extremely cold weather.
● Maintains a steady and comfortable warmth.
Pro Tip: Keep the heating on low when you are out to avoid reheating the entire house.
8. Take Advantage of Government Schemes
The UK government offers several schemes to help reduce heating costs.
Examples:
● Winter Fuel Payment
● Cold Weather Payment
● Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Pro Tip: Check your eligibility and apply to benefit from these schemes.
9. Switch Energy Providers
Comparing energy tariffs can help you find a better deal for your heating needs.
How to Do It:
● Use comparison websites to find competitive rates.
● Check for renewable energy options that may offer savings.
Pro Tip: Switching providers is often easier than you think and can lead to significant savings.
10. Layer Up and Use Warm Accessories
Simple changes to your daily routine can help reduce heating reliance.
Tips:
● Wear warm clothing and layer up indoors.
● Use blankets and hot water bottles for added warmth.
Pro Tip: Keep your feet warm with insulated socks or slippers—it makes a big difference!
Conclusion
By following these practical tips, you can keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter without overspending on energy bills. At Baps-Taps, we are here to help you with all your boiler servicing and heating needs in London and Croydon.
Contact Us
Get in touch with Baps-Taps today for expert advice and reliable plumbing services. Stay warm and save money this winter!