3 energy mistakes you’re making that ‘could lead to higher bills’

An energy expert has weighed in on the three common mistakes people are making regarding their heating which could be contributing to higher energy bills. The cost of living crisis rages on with many households struggling with the increase in costs for basic amenities and needs.

As winter takes hold, turning the heating on becomes more common – and monthly outgoings become more expensive. Many people turn to social media looking for ideas and methods to heat their homes faster, with all manner of tips shared by novices and experts alike.

Some advise placing reflective panels behind radiators, while others discuss the ideal temperature settings to use. Across the country, thermostats tend to be set around the 20°C mark, but experts now recommend a different temperature setting.

According to the pros, 18°C is the ideal minimum indoor temperature for most people, with higher temperatures advised for older adults or those with health conditions.

Gordon Wallis, energy expert at the UK independent fuel distributor Your NRG, said running your heating system efficiently can make a substantial difference over the course of winter.

He said: “Small adjustments can have a big impact. Many households are heating rooms they are not using, setting flow temperatures too high, or placing thermostats where they cannot get an accurate reading.

“These are simple mistakes that can lead to wasted energy and higher bills.” Here are three blunders he urges people to avoid:

Your thermostat may be in the wrong place

A thermostat works by measuring the temperature of the room around it. If it’s blocked, or placed somewhere too warm or too cold, it can’t regulate your heating properly.

Wallis said: “If the thermostat is next to a radiator, exposed to direct sunlight, or behind furniture, it will get a false reading.

“That means your heating will switch off too soon or run longer than necessary. The best place is a hallway or main living area with good airflow.”

Turning the thermostat up because it’s cold outside

It’s common to turn the thermostat up a few notches when the weather turns colder, but this doesn’t actually heat the home any quicker.

Wallis explained: “The thermostat maintains the temperature you set. If you want your home to be 20°C, you do not need to adjust it because the weather has dropped.

“Turning it higher only increases running time and energy use.”

Boiler set too high

Another key mistake is running the boiler’s flow temperature higher than needed. Many boilers are factory-set between 70°C and 80°C.

Wallis said: “Lowering the boiler flow temperature to around 60°C can still heat your home effectively while reducing the strain on the boiler.

“It can also extend its lifespan and help reduce heating costs. The home will not feel colder, but it may heat up more gradually.”

Wallis’ advice applies mainly to combi boilers. Households with a tank system should check with a qualified engineer before making any changes to their systems.

In a bid to help people get the most out of their heating, Wallis advised: “Bleeding radiators to remove trapped air, moving furniture away from radiators, and fitting reflective panels behind them are low-cost steps that help heat circulate properly. They are small things that can make the home feel warmer without turning the thermostat up.”

It’s also worth opening curtains during daylight to take advantage of natural warmth, and keeping doors closed between heated and unheated rooms.