Changing the settings on your boiler and your thermostat can reduce your emissions and energy bills.

Boiler

Most gas boilers aren’t as efficient as they could be. By lowering your gas boiler flow temperature you can fix this and reduce your household energy use by 6-8%. The average household could save £65 a year by turning their combi boiler flow temperature down to 60°C or 65°C for a conventional boiler and a further £17 by setting the hot water temperature to 42°C.

Make sure to first check what type of heating system you have and follow guidance for your system. Turning the boiler thermostat below 65°C on a conventional boiler (with a hot water cylinder) can increase the risk of legionella bacteria growing in the cylinder, which is dangerous.

More information and instructions on how to safely lower your boiler flow temperature can be found on the Energy Saving Trust’s website.

Thermostat

Turning your thermostat down by just 1°C can reduce your energy consumption by approximately 4-9%. Setting your thermostat to between 18–21°C can cut energy use without reducing comfort.

Make sure you always keep your home warm enough so there’s less risk of your home becoming damp and you getting ill.