Because of increased gas prices and other factors, you may be concerned about making ends meet this winter. While rising gas prices are unavoidable, conservation techniques and flexible billing arrangements can help to alleviate fuel poverty. Gas Safety Certificate is advice from our Gas Safe registered consultants on how to reduce your gas usage.
Methods for reducing your heating expenditures
To save money on gasoline, it’s better to start as soon as possible. You don’t need a gas engineer to get started, but here are certain precautions you should take.
To begin, reduce the flow temperature of your combi boiler
Many people disregard the manufacturer’s recommendations and set their boilers higher than necessary when heating their houses. Possibility of gas waste This is due to (a) the boiler not operating efficiently. And (b) the water temperature being too hot for acceptable use.
If you must do so, it is recommended that you lower your boiler’s temperature to its lowest setting. According to a poll conducted by the Heating & Hot Water Council, lowering the flow temperature of your boiler can save you 6 to 8 percent on your Gas Safety Certificate.
According to the firm, the suggested temperatures for boilers are 50-60°C for the hot water supply and 75°C for the radiators. Vaillant supports this approach, but Baxi recommends keeping the flow temperature at 60°C. Or higher to prevent bacteria from reproducing in the water supply.
What is the technique for altering the flow temperature of the boiler?
The water temperature is controlled by selecting the tap icon on the LCD screen, and the central heating is adjusted by selecting the radiator icon. Then, using the buttons, you change the numbers until the appropriate temperature is reached. Consult the owner’s manual for your boiler model for precise instructions.
Check that your radiators are working properly
Feel for any cold spots on your radiators with the back of your hand. If the temperature only rises at the top, sides, and corners, there may be a problem with the system. The heating procedure may take longer than expected. The formation of black sludge (magnetite) when system water corrodes metal is frequently to blame.
If this debris collects in your radiators, it will reduce the efficiency of your heating system. Heating a room with radiators that are only partially filled with magnetite will need your boiler to use twice as much time and energy. As a result, your heating expenditures will naturally climb. So, what is the solution?
Our gas engineers can collect water samples for analysis and discover problems using thermal imaging. If magnetite has polluted your central heating system, they will almost certainly advise you to have it power flushed. To remove built-up sludge from your central heating system. You’ll need a specialized pump, chemical, and magnetic filter. This technique has the ability to restore 30% of your system’s efficiency.
Reduce the temperature in empty areas
Another option to save money on gas is to turn off radiators or lower the temperature in rarely used areas (like a spare bedroom or storage space). Turning off the valve and sealing off any unused rooms in your home will help you save money on heating expenditures. This approach may also reduce heat loss through the unoccupied spaces’ windows and walls.
It is very advised to keep track of which rooms are turning on and when. To avoid an unexpectedly high energy bill as a result of keeping the heat on before going to work. Turn it off before leaving in the morning.
Take note of individual thermostat settings
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Energy Saving Trust both recommend maintaining a pleasant temperature range of 18 to 21 degrees Celsius in your house. In any case, even a one-degree change in temperature can have a significant impact on your monthly gas costs. According to the Gas Safety Certificate, this can reduce gas mileage by up to 10%.
First and foremost, you should inspect the thermostat’s integrity. This can be accomplished by obtaining a thermometer for a few pounds. And ensuring that the room temperature matches the thermostat setting.
Inspect your electronic meter
Use a smart meter or the in-home display to monitor your energy consumption if you have one installed (IHD). By tracking your consumption patterns, you can obtain insight into what you’re actually consuming and uncover solutions to lessen your environmental effect. Then, what evidence do you have to back up your claim?. According to the Gas Safety Certificate, up to 86% of houses with smart meters changed their habits in an effort to cut energy consumption.
There are also high-tech thermostats to consider. Manufacturers like Hive and Nest are now offering technologically advanced. Reasonably priced thermostats that can be operated via your smartphone. As a result, you may regulate the temperature as needed and avoid wasting money by keeping the house warm while no one is around to enjoy it.
6. Check for air leaks in window and door seals.
Draught proofing is a good alternative if you’re on a low budget but still want to be comfortable in the winter. As a result, you may be less likely to raise the thermostat to compensate for the consequent lack of warmth. Draught-proofing adhesive and window seal strips are both available for less than ten pounds.
Did you have the boiler inspected to ensure it wasn’t broken?
It takes more than just lowering your gas consumption to lower your monthly gas bill. The yearly boiler inspection is critical. It is suggested that you arrange regular maintenance to keep your boiler in the best possible condition and your warranty in effect. During maintenance, your specialist will inspect several aspects of the setup. Including the exhaust gasses, to ensure that the gas is properly burned. If this is the case, you should expect to pay less for the same level of heat and hot water temperature over time. If your boiler isn’t working as well as it could. The expert can clean and change the parts to increase efficiency.
Is it time to switch gas companies?
Customers who wanted to save money on their electricity bills had to be proactive and switch providers in the past. The latest price increase makes sensible advice increasingly impractical. Money Saving Expert urged householders to sign up for the price cap when their current packages expire in late 2022, when there will be little else to pick from.
“If you’re offered a year’s fix at no more than 95% above your current price-capped tariff. Or 100% more if you very badly demand budgeting certainty. It’s worth considering,” he stated in August 2022 after reconsidering the topic. For that reason, if your existing arrangement is coming to an end, we recommend checking about for a replacement deal, as you may be able to find a more favorable and affordable Gas Safety Certificate.