Energy bills have been a painful topic for UK households over the past few years, and while wholesale prices have eased somewhat, most Warwickshire homeowners are still looking for ways to reduce what they spend on heating and hot water. The good news: there are some genuinely effective steps you can take, many of which cost very little.
Start With Your Boiler Settings
Most people have their boiler flow temperature set too high. In a modern combi boiler, reducing the flow temperature to around 55–60°C (rather than the factory setting of 70–80°C) can improve efficiency by 5–10% with no reduction in comfort. This is known as “weather compensation” mode, and many modern boilers support it.
Ask a Gas Safe engineer from PPS Gas & Electric to check and optimise your boiler settings — it’s often done as part of a standard service.
Get a Smart Thermostat
If you’re still using a basic programmer and room thermostat from the 1990s, upgrading to a smart thermostat like Hive, Nest, or Tado could save you £100–£200 per year. These devices learn your habits, allow remote control via smartphone, and prevent you heating an empty home.
Bleed Your Radiators
Trapped air in your radiators means they can’t heat rooms effectively, so your boiler works harder for longer. Bleeding your radiators is a five-minute job that can make a noticeable difference to how quickly your home warms up.
Add Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)
If you don’t have TRVs on your radiators, you’re missing out. These valves let you set different temperatures for different rooms — so you’re not heating bedrooms and spare rooms to the same level as living areas. This alone can save a meaningful amount on your heating bill.
Lag Your Pipes and Cylinders
Insulating hot water pipes (pipe lagging) and your hot water cylinder can prevent significant heat loss. Cylinder jackets are inexpensive and pay for themselves quickly. This is especially relevant for older homes across Warwickshire that still have traditional heat-only boiler systems with a cylinder.
Address Draughts
Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and most effective energy efficiency measures available. Focus on:
- Gaps under external doors (draught excluders)
- Letterboxes and keyholes
- Around window frames
- Loft hatches
- Gaps around pipework entering the property
Consider Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation
Up to 35% of heat loss in an uninsulated home escapes through the roof. Loft insulation is relatively inexpensive and often has a payback period of just a few years. Cavity wall insulation is similarly cost-effective for properties built after the 1930s with cavity walls.
Book an Annual Boiler Service
A boiler running on degraded components, dirty burners, or incorrect combustion settings uses significantly more gas than a well-maintained one. An annual service by a Gas Safe registered engineer keeps your boiler running at peak efficiency — potentially saving you 10% or more on your gas bill.
PPS Gas & Electric has been helping homeowners in Leamington Spa, Warwick, and across Warwickshire reduce their energy costs since 2005. Whether it’s a service, a new boiler, or expert advice on your heating system, we’re here to help.
Call PPS Gas & Electric on 01926 778709 or visit ppsgas.com to book your appointment today.