Freezing Winters Prompt Energy Concerns

As cold weather grips the UK, many households worry about rising energy costs. Recent surveys show that nine in ten people feel anxious about affording their winter bills, with two-thirds opting to heat only one room to save money.

Experts from the University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0, the nation’s leading energy research facility, have spent 18 months testing heating systems. Their findings highlight effective ways to warm homes efficiently while minimizing expenses, including no-cost adjustments and longer-term upgrades.

Lower Boiler Temperatures for Instant Savings

The most impactful free method involves adjusting the boiler’s flow temperature—the heat level at which water leaves the boiler and enters radiators. Standard settings range from 70°C to 80°C, but tests demonstrate that dropping this to 60°C cuts gas use for heating by 12%.

Combi boilers perform well at this lower setting, providing comfortable warmth without excessive energy draw. Radiators may feel less hot, and rooms could take slightly longer to heat, but well-insulated homes maintain steady temperatures with noticeable bill reductions.

To implement this, locate the dial or buttons marked with a radiator symbol on combi boilers and lower the setting. Refer to the user manual for specific instructions. This simple tweak requires no investment and delivers immediate results.

Boiler Maintenance Enhances Efficiency

Regular boiler servicing ensures safety and optimal performance. Engineers recommend annual checks, ideally in summer to avoid peak winter demand. A standard service costs around £90 and includes inspections of internal components, filters, flue pipes, and signs of corrosion or leaks.

Even a 5% drop in efficiency can add £87 to annual energy costs. During servicing, technicians can also adjust flow temperatures if needed, preventing uneven heating across radiators.

Insulation Upgrades Combat Heat Loss

Many older homes lose significant heat through uninsulated walls and roofs, driving up bills. Pre-1920s properties often lack cavity walls, while new builds comply with regulations that boost efficiency by up to 65%.

Oliver Novakovic, innovation director at Barratt Redrow, which partners with Energy House 2.0, notes, “The large number of poorly insulated, older homes across the country can cause stress for those living in them as we approach winter.”

Official data indicates that 60% of English homes have average or better wall insulation, compared to 69% in Scotland and 52% in Wales. For lofts, mineral wool insulation suits detached homes at about £1,000, potentially saving £340 yearly on bills. Semi-detached properties could save £200.

Draught-Proofing Balances Comfort and Ventilation

Draught-proofing seals gaps without sealing off all airflow, which is essential to prevent condensation and mould in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Novakovic advises, “Try to locate draughty areas around your home so that you can fix them before the freezing temperatures set in. The gadget that will make a world of difference, when you’re trying to work out why your house is cold, is a smoke pencil draught detector. You can pick one of these up for less than £50 to easily find the places where air is leaking.”

Common issues arise at letterboxes, unused chimneys, doors, window frames, and loft hatches. Older hardwood doors expand and contract with temperature changes, widening gaps—use draught excluders at the bottom and gap sealers around frames. Weather stripping in foam, rubber, or metal fits window frames easily. For UPVC windows, inspect existing excluders for damage.

Curtains and Blinds as Simple Insulators

Closing curtains or blinds significantly reduces heat loss through windows, especially in single-glazed older homes. Tests in a full-scale model showed 10-30% less heat escaping, depending on fit and heating type.

These coverings trap still air between the window and room, acting as extra insulation. Standard household options suffice—no need for specialized thermal versions. Radiators under windows benefit most, as curtains block warm air from rising directly to the glass.

Additional perks include fewer draughts and less condensation. As affordable and reversible measures, they offer quick wins for warmth when full window upgrades aren’t possible.

Future-Proof Electric Heating Options

With gas boilers set for phase-out, Energy House 2.0’s extensive trials on electric systems favor air source heat pumps. These run at just £1.84 per typical winter day, outperforming gas boilers by delivering consistent heat rather than intermittent bursts.

Other tested options include infrared panels, underfloor heating, skirting boards, and traditional radiators, but heat pumps stand out for efficiency.

Prevent Pipe Freezes with Insulation

Freezing pipes expand and risk bursting, leading to costly repairs. Insulate loft pipes and water tanks to protect against this.

Novakovic explains, “Insulating your pipes doesn’t have to be expensive and can be done as a DIY job. You can buy foam pipe insulation, which is inexpensive, though better-quality insulators will set you back more. Most pipe insulation comes as a foam tube, which you can push onto your pipes. For more awkward bends, you can also use insulating wraps to cover these sections of pipe. Make sure you know the measurements for your pipes and water tanks before you purchase any insulation and avoid using potentially flammable materials.”

A survey of 2,000 UK residents underscores widespread adoption of these energy-saving habits amid ongoing cost pressures.